World Cup 2014: Kolo Toure fit for Ivory Coast despite contracting malaria

Liverpool defender will be ready for tournament

Ivory Coast's defender Kolo Toure gives a press conference (Getty Images)

Kolo Toure will be fit for the World Cup despite contracting malaria, according to reports.

The experienced Ivory Coast defender, who signed for Liverpool at the start of last season, says he feels 'great' and joked that he is looking strong as the World Cup approaches.

Toure became ill on a flight to the United States this Wednesday, but said that his medical team new exactly what to do in order to get him fit again.

Ivory Coast begin their tournament on Sunday when they take on fellow Group C side Japan.

Ivory Coast's defender Souleymane Bamba (L), Ivory Coast's defender Kolo Toure (C) and Ivory Coast's defender Arthur Boka take part in a training session (Getty Images)

After two consecutive World Cups with tricky group stage draws, they might feel a little more confident about advancing this year having been drawn alongside Colombia, Greece and Japan.