Didier Drogba could be fit for Ivory Coast’s World Cup opener against Portugal after returning to training on Thursday.
Drogba underwent surgery last weekend after suffering the break in a friendly match against Japan and although he is still wearing a protective cast, coach Sven-Goran Eriksson believes he could make a quicker recovery than first feared.
“If the match had been today or tomorrow, he wouldn’t be able to play,” Eriksson said. “But it’s in a few days. He might play.”
Drogba was spotted moving freely and waving to fans with his injured arm in the evening training session, boosting hopes that he will feature in his team’s critical Group G clash with Portgual on June 15.
The African Player of the Year scored 37 goals in all competitions for Chelsea last season and his absence would be a major blow.
