Drogba cleared to play with cast on broken arm for Ivory Coast’s World Cup opener

Drogba cleared to play with cast for ICoast

JOHANNESBURG — FIFA says striker Didier Drogba has been cleared to play in Ivory Coast’s World Cup opener Tuesday against Portugal in Port Elizabeth.

Drogba broke his right arm in a warm-up match against Japan on June 4 and underwent surgery. A special lightweight cast has been placed on his arm.

FIFA officials say the cast was examined by match referee Jorge Larrionda of Uruguay, and Portuguese team officials and has been approved.

It is not known if Drogba will start in the match.