Didier Drogba may miss the World Cup after injuring his elbow in the Ivory Coast’s 2-0 triumph over Japan.

Les Elephants’ star man landed awkwardly after an innocuous challenge with Tulio Tanaka early on in the match and was escorted off the pitch in obvious pain.

Ivory Coast manager Sven Goran Eriksson confirmed that a bone close to Drogba’s elbow was broken and he requires surgery.

The ex-England coach was coy over the talismanic forward and hinted that he may still feature in the tournament.

“He is going to see a specialist,” Eriksson confirmed, before suggesting his captain may still be able to feature in the tournament.

The Swedish manager said “He may have an operation, but he is not out.”

Drogba had opened the scoring with a trademark freekick before suffering the injury, and he may join Michael Ballack and Michael Essien as another big-name missing out of the prestigious tournament.