2010 World Cup: Denmark's Thomas Sorensen Doubtful After Suspected Broken Elbow

Denmark's World Cup hopes took a serious blow when veteran 'keeper Thomas Sorensen was stretchered off, needing oxygen, in Stoke's 7-0 defeat at the hands of Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.

The experienced Danish international threw himself to the floor in what looked like a routine save, after saving Lampard's original shot, but Kalou beat him to it and bundled the ball into the net.

Visibly in agony, the experienced 'keeper undoubtedly feared the worst, but the news wasn't as bad as everybody had initially anticipated.

"I tore a muscle in my elbow but the good news is that it looks like nothing is broken and that is primarily what is I was hoping for because missing the World Cup would be unthinkable.

Now we have to wait and see. I have a scan on Monday to reveal the full extent of the injury but I'm still hopeful", said Sorensen, recognizing his World Cup dream is hanging in the balance.

"It's obviously a slim chance but as long as there is a chance, I will do everything in my power to be ready. The way things stand at the moment, it doesn't look likely but there is still a possibility and I just hope that it happens", continued the Danish No. 1.

Sorensen had started the game remarkably, making a couple of outrageous saves to keep the score goalless.

In the 12th minute, he produced a wonderful stop from a Lampard screamer and followed it by brilliantly keeping out Ashley Cole's effort from the rebound.

In the 20th minute, he produced another outrageous save from Drogba's powerful, goal-bound header. It looked like Chelsea would have to produce something special to beat the in-form Danish No. 1.

The special moment came just four minutes later. An inch-perfect diagonal ball is pinged out to the Ivorian by Malouda, and he brings it down brilliantly with the back of his heel before firing in a low cross for Kalou to head home!

11 minutes later Sorensen was stretchered off as Chelsea went 2-0 up and his on-looking manager was obviously concerned.

""He's dislocated his elbow. We're hoping they can pop it back in and he doesn't need an operation. If he needs an operation he'll struggle for the World Cup", Pulis said.

At the age of 33, Sorensen won't get many more opportunities to play in a World Cup. He made his international debut 11 years ago and spent long periods playing second fiddle to Peter Schmeichel, who is percieved as one of the greatest ever 'keepers.

He'll turn 34 on June 12, two days before Denmark's Group E opener against the Netherlands.

He has accumulated 86 caps so far...

Burnley's Brian Jensen, Brondby's Stephan Andersen, and Notts County's Kasper Schmeichel are in contention for starting places should Sorensen not make it, none of which instill me with any sort of confidence. 

Brian Jensen has allowed 70 odd goals this season and even though Burnley's pathetic defence has played a big part in conceding those goals and Jensen simply isn't international class.

Kasper Schmeichel plies his trade in League Two. Enough said!

Stephan Andersen would be the best bet. More experienced than Schmeichel and more agile and athletic than Jensen. Doesn't fill me with confidence either, but Denmark isn't laden with great 'keepers.

For now though, all hopes lie with the recovery of Sorensen. Fingers crossed...