Ivory Coast captain Didier Drogba may miss the World Cup after suffering a fractured forearm in a 2-0 win over Japan in a warm-up game.

Drogba fired home an early deflected free-kick but then injured his right arm and was forced to go off after just 18 minutes following a seemingly innocuous clash with Brazilian-born Japanese defender Marcus Tulio Tanaka.

"Didier Drogba has not for the moment pulled out (of the squad)," the Ivorian Football Federation (FIF) said in a statement on its website, as rumours abounded that the player would not recover in time.

Drogba underwent a scan at a hospital in the Swiss town of Sion, which hosted the game.

Elephants' coach Sven-Goran Eriksson said: "Didier Drogba was injured just above the elbow.

"We do not know if he will be able to play the World Cup. Of course it is very worrying. He is our skipper and our best player.

"I have not as yet spoken to him but what is certain is that he was in great pain."

French media reports quoted Drogba as saying he would miss the tournament.

L'Equipe sports daily reported on its website: "After tests the player confirmed to us he would not be able to play in the World Cup."

Following his hospital scan Drogba was seen by reporters with his arm in a sling and held protectively under his vest.

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