Kolo Toure injury blow as Ivory Coast progress
Kolo toure, the Arsenal central defender, was carried off on a stretcher shortly before half-time in Ivory Coast's Africa Cup of Nations group match against Benin and could miss the rest of the tournament.
He had just set up his team's second goal - for his brother, Yaya - in a comprehensive 4-1 win when he collapsed after stretching in an attempt to cut out a deflected cross. Clearly in distress and clutching his groin, Toure was helped on to a stretcher.
advertisement
Later, plainly in discomfort, he hobbled out of the stadium supported by an Ivorian Football Federation official and with his thigh swaddled in ice and bandages. He was expected to undergo scans last night, and a fuller diagnosis should be available today.
"We don't know how bad it is," said Chelsea striker Didier Drogba, who scored Ivory Coast's opening goal. "We're worried, but we're keeping our fingers crossed."
"It has been a very good day for us, apart from Kolo's injury," Ivory Coast coach Gerard Gili said. "I'm concerned about him because he has injured his groin. I don't know how long he'll be out. He first has to take some tests."
If the injury is as serious as feared, it is more bad news not only for Ivory Coast, but also for Arsenal, whose defensive resources are already severely stretched.
Toure had been in fine form for the pre-tournament favourites. After beating Nigeria 1-0 on Monday, they all but assured themselves of a place in the quarter-finals as Kader Keita and Dindane scored in the second half. Razak Omatoyossi headed a consolation goal for Benin. |
發表於 2008-1-26 11:08 AM
| 
