Didier Drogba returned to his team in Lausanne after undergoing surgery for a fractured ulna (the inner bone of the forearm) in Berne. The Ivory Coast flies out this Wednesday to SA.
There are some doubts whether Drogba will be fit to start the first match against Portugal but his chances of resuming his World Cup thereafter have considerably improved. How an injury like this impacts his performance on the pitch remains to be seen.
Especially in situations where they are dangers of colliding, e.g., players jumping up to head the ball. A good, pain free arm swing is also essential in generating speed. It also remains to be seen whether he can play all 90 minutes.
“His recovery has been extremely encouraging. It is suggested that, at this stage, all the signs are good and there is great hope the captain of the Elephants will be in action with his team mates as soon as possible,” spokesman Roger Kouassi said.
The importance of Didier Drogba to the chances of the Ivory Coast progressing can’t be stressed enough. Drogba being who he is will take that chance.