The Ivory Coast have confirmed that Didier Drogba suffered a fractured elbow in their 2-0 win over Japan in a friendly earlier today. Drogba now looks highly likely to miss the tournament although that is yet to be confirmed.

Drogba’s absence would come as a hammer blow to the Ivory Coast, and with Ghana having lost Micheal Essien prior to the tournament, it would also be another cruel twist for an African nation looking to make progress on the World stage.

The Ivorians already looked up against it to qualify out of their group that includes Brazil, Portugal and North Korea. Without Drogba their passage to the knockout phase looks even more doubtful, shortening the odds on the chances of Portugal claiming second spot behind expected group winners Brazil…

In Fantasy terms the Ivorian’s lack of firepower will be a consideration as will the likelihood that Portugal will progress. Investment in their back four looks a better proposition with Bruno Alves and Ricardo Carvalho now looking more favourable options along with Madrid’s Pepe who will likely start in the holding midfield role. Ronaldo’s prospects will have also improved as a result of Portugal’s enhanced chances of making it out of the group. Before you go splashing out on their talent pool, it should be noted that the team finishing second in this group would play the winners of Group H in the knockout phase. That’s Spain’s group.