Sorensen expects to make World Cup despite Kalou clash

Denmark goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen is convinced he will be fit for the World Cup despite suffering a dislocated elbow in a clash with Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou.

Stoke star Sorensen suffered the injury in the first half of Sunday’s 7-0 defeat at Stamford Bridge after Kalou went in two-footed to score his side’s second goal.

The 33-year-old was carried off on a stretcher after lengthy treatment, sparking fears he would miss Denmark’s World Cup campaign.

But the former Aston Villa player will not require an operation on his elbow and hopes he will recover in time to travel to South Africa with his country.

“I do truly believe I can make it to the World Cup,” Sorensen told The Sentinel. “It will be a race against time, but I have to believe in it.

“I have to be happy that the elbow was only dislocated, but I was in severe pain and I am relieved I don’t have to have my elbow put back in place every day.

“I am as upbeat as I can be in this situation. At least I am left with some hope since the injury is not as bad as feared.”

Kalou has wished Sorensen well in his recovery, but the keeper remains unhappy with the Chelsea player’s challenge.

“It was a reckless challenge from Kalou,” Sorensen said. “He bangs in studs up with both legs stretched. I know the ball was loose, but the way he threw himself into the situation was not okay.

“From the outset I could feel that the injury was bad and that the elbow had been dislocated. I didn’t see it for myself, but the doctors said it was twisted wide to the side.

“The pain was way beyond imagination just as it happened. And right at the moment thoughts raced through my head.

“I was not thinking of the match. My thoughts were further into the future, at the World Cup.”