Johannesburg - Ivory Coast star Didier Drogba can play against Portugal at the World Cup later Tuesday as the protective cast on his arm has been given the nod by the ruling body FIFA.

"The referee has okayed the protective cast that Didier Drogba will use to play. That cast has also been seen by the Portugal delegation at yesterday's match coordination meeting," FIFA spokesman Nicolas Maingot said on Tuesday.?

The Chelsea forward Drogba broke his arm 10 days ago in a tune-up match against Japan. He underwent an operation and returned to training a few days later.

Ivory Coast were due to open their Group G campaign against Portugal later, with Brazil and North Korea the other opponents.

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