Didier Drogba is fit to play for the Ivory Coast after recovering from a recent groin operation, the striker said yesterday.

Drogba’s international team mate and veteran defender Kolo Toure is struggling, however, having been felled by a bout of malaria.

Drogba underwent surgery in Qatar last month, but said he was feeling ready for the World Cup.

“I’ve worked hard to regain my form and get to a good level for the training camp,” said Drogba of his work over the last week in Dallas.

Ivorian team doctor Cyrille Dah said Liverpool defender Toure had contracted malaria on a trip home to Abidjan at the end of the English Premier League season and was undergoing treatment.

“He just needs rest but he will be OK to return to training next week,” Dah said.

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