Didier Drogba is now sure to miss the World Cup after breaking his right arm on Friday in a warm-up match. The 32-year-old Drogba was taken off 15 minutes into Ivory Coast's 2-0 win over Japan after a high challenge by Japan defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka. He was then rushed to a hospital.
Drogba scored 29 goals in 32 Premier League matches this season, helping Chelsea win the title. He also has 45 goals in 70 appearances for his country.
Tulio said he had no intention to hurt Drogba. "God and everybody in the stadium saw it was a normal challenge," said the Brazil-born defender, who was shown a yellow card. "I do hope he gets better in time to play in the World Cup."
Two minutes before the challenge, Drogba's 22-meter (yard) free kick was deflected by Tulio into his own net.
FIFA rules stipulate that a player can be replaced because of injury up to 24 hours before a team's first match.
That gives Ivory Coast 10 days to see if Drogba's condition improves. The Ivoarians also play Brazil and North Korea in Group G.
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