
Ivory Coast coach Faé confirms Ndicka expected to return during tournament
Evan Ndicka was absent from Ivory Coast's 1–0 World Cup opening victory over Ecuador on June 14 due to a second-degree muscle injury sustained in Roma's derby against Lazio at the end of May. The Ivory Coast coaching staff has signalled confidence in the Roma centre-back's recovery, suggesting he was only included in the squad because they believe he will be fit to play at some point during the competition. Ivory Coast coach Emerse Faé addressed Ndicka's status in a press conference, stating: "I'm not a doctor, so I can't tell you exactly what his physical problem is, but if there hadn't been the possibility of getting him back in time for the competition we wouldn't have called him up, we would have replaced him." Faé added: "The fact that he's here means we believe he can become available at a certain point." The coach is hopeful of having Ndicka available soon, potentially for Ivory Coast's next match against Germany on June 20.





