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Ivory Coast continue their preparation for the 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. The Elephants take on Liberia in their opener, but it has to be noted that Manchester City midfielder Yaya Toure has been left out of the squad as he ponders international retirement.
Toure’s teammate Wilfried Bony, though, has overcome his injury and he is likely to play some part in Friday’s match against Liberia at Antoinette Tubman Stadium.
The Manchester City striker picked up a knock in a goalless draw with Aston Villa at the weekend, but his injury is obviously not too serious.
Coach Michel Dussuyer has announced a 24-man squad for the upcoming two-legged clash, with in-form winger Gervinho one of the star players on the roster.
The former Arsenal man found the net in Rome derby against Lazio at the weekend and all eyes will be on him when Ivory Coast take on Liberia in the opening match of their 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign.
Update (10.11.): Wilfried Bony, Thomas Toure and Salomon Kalou have withdrawn through injury, with Roger Assale added to the squad.
Ivory Coast squad:
Goalkeepers: Sylvain Gbohouo (Mazembe), Mande Sayouba (Stabaek), Ali Badra Sangare (ASEC Mimosas);
Defenders: Serge Aurier (PSG), Mamadou Bagayoko (Sint-Truiden), Eric Bailly (Villarreal), Simon Deli (Slavia Prague), Constant Djakpa (Eintracht Frankfurt), Lamine Kone (Lorient), Ousmane Viera (Rizespor), Arthur Boka (Malaga);
Midfielders: Victorien Angban (Sint-Truiden), Jean Daniel Akpa Akpro (Toulouse), Ismael Diomande (Saint-Etienne), Assane Gnoukouri (Inter), Geoffrey Serey Die (Stuttgart), Jean Michael Seri (Nice), Serge Yao N’Guessan (AFAD Djekanou);
Forwards: Gervinho (Roma), Roger Assale (Mazembe), Seydou Doumbia (CSKA), Cyriac Gohi Bi (Oostende), Giovanni Sio (Rennes).
