Sven Goran Eriksson Ready To 'Unleash' Didier Drogba On Brazil

Ivory Coast manager Sven Goran Eriksson is positive that his star player Didier Drogba can play against Brazil in their World Cup Group G clash on Sunday and has stated that he does not anticipate the protective cast will not cause any problems for the striker.

Chelsea player Drogba came on as a substitute in their goalless draw with Portugal after FIFA allowed the cast to be worn to protect the broken elbow he suffered in the build up to the finals.

Eriksson declined to say whether Drogba would start but said he was optimistic that there will be no further problems.

The Swede said, "We are not sure yet but we will speak to him on Sunday. He might be ready.

"[The cast] was an issue after the game which I did not understand. FIFA have looked at it, the referee looked at it and decided it's not a problem.

"It's not dangerous so I expect the same thing will be done. I am very confident that will not be a problem."

Speaking in a press conference, Erikksson was also asked the question of how important Drogba was for the Ivorians.

"Drogba is a world-famous player, he has scored 30 goals already this season and obviously everybody has respect for him. However, we did play well without him for an hour [against Portugal]."

Eriksson also praised Brazil manager Dunga ahead of their game in Johannesburg, a player he managed while in charge of Fiorentina in Italy.

"When Dunga was one of my players he already knew everything there is to know, he was a very intelligent player and he has done excellent work as coach of Brazil," he said.

"They are a classy team, a technically able team and also a team that can bite when it has to bite, It's the modern style of football.

"Whenever Brazil play they are always the favorite right from onset, That is the reality, it will always be like this."