Yaya Toure to miss Ivory Coast opening match

The Ivory Coast's star midfielder Yaya Toure could miss his country's opening match with Japan this week. The Manchester City star has muscle problems in his right thigh and could end up sitting out the Elephants' first game in the World Cup.

Toure has struggled with injuries at times this season for his club and had been expected to play a major part in the Ivory Coast's squad for the tournament but will now sit out their opening match.

Ivory Coast manager Sabri Lamouchi told reporters today: "He finished the season injured for Man City. He still can not train with the group and has a recovery program in place. Nevertheless, we will try to let him play some part this Sunday against Japan."

The Ivory Coast will take on Japan, Colombia and Greece in their group and are fancied back home to progress to the next round of the tournament.

The African side will be hoping Toure returns in time for the match with Japan as alongside Didier Drogba, the Man City man is considered their best player.