Drogba out of Ivory coast squad

Chelsea striker Didier Drogba has been left out of Ivory Coast’s squad for the African Nations Cup qualifier against Gabon on Saturday.

Drogba suffered a knee injury late on during the Blues’ 2-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Sunday and has not been risked by Elephants coach Uli Stielike.

Arsenal defender Kolo Toure, Bolton defender Abdoulaye Meite, Tottenham midfielder Didier Zokora, Reading midfielder Emerse Fae and Drogba’s Chelsea team-mate Salomon Kalou are all included.

Ivory Coast need only to avoid a defeat by a six-goal margin to qualify for the finals in Ghana next year.