SAANEN, Switzerland — Didier Drogba rejoined his Ivory Coast teammates at their alpine training camp Monday with a cast protecting his broken right arm.
Team spokesman Eric Kacou said Monday it’s not known when Drogba can resume training after the squad arrives in South Africa on Thursday, or if he will play at the World Cup. FIFA rules allow Ivory Coast to wait until next Monday, 24 hours before its opening match against Portugal, before deciding whether to replace the inspirational captain.
Surgeons operated on Drogba, a 32-year-old forward, in the Swiss capital Bern on Saturday.
Marquez back to training with Mexico
JOHANNESBURG — Defender Rafael Marquez trained with Mexico for the first time since injuring his right leg in last week’s 2-1 exhibition victory over Italy.
It was Mexico’s first practice session with every player present since the team arrived in South Africa a few days ago. Mexico opens the World Cup on Friday against host South Africa.
Big payday.
Spain’s players reportedly will receive the most money out of all 32 teams if it wins the World Cup, and several Spanish political parties are unhappy about the payouts with the country facing an economic crisis. Spanish media reported each player could earn $734,000 for winning the title, and collect $144,000 for reaching the July 11 final.
Political party Izquierda Unida asked how such an amount could be paid “in the context of a general downturn where pensions are being frozen and salaries are dropping.”
The Associated Press
