Cote d'Ivoire's Didier Drogba controls the ball during their international friendly soccer game against Israel at the Stade de Geneve in Geneva Aug 10, 2011. [Photo/Agencies]

ABIDJAN - Talismanic captain Didier Drogba has withdrawn from Cote d'Ivoire's African Nations Cup qualifier in Rwanda on Saturday after being concussed while playing for Chelsea at the weekend.

The Football Federation of Cote d'Ivoire said on Tuesday the striker would not be replaced in the squad for the Group H game in Kigali.

Drogba, who has scored 49 goals for his country, was hurt in an aerial collision with Norwich City goalkeeper John Ruddy during Chelsea's 3-1 win in the Premier League on Saturday.

He was taken to hospital but later discharged.

"It gave us a big fright and he will not travel to Kigali," coach Francois Zahoui told the Cote d'Ivoire Football Federation's website (www.fif-ci.com). "All the team are thinking about him and hope he makes a rapid recovery."

Cote d'Ivoire, who have already qualified for next year's finals, are bidding to keep up their 100 percent record in the group.