Toure hospitalized with malaria:-

Arsenal defender Kolo Toure has been hospitalised under fears that he has contracted malaria.

The 27-year-old is thought to have contracted the tropical illness after a visit to his native Ivory Coast during the summer break.

The player was complaining of feeling unwell during the Gunners' pre-season tour of Austria. If the suspected illness is confirmed as malaria, he will most likely miss his club's opening Premier League fixture against West Brom at the Emirates on 16 August.

Toure was said to be relaxed before being taken to hospital to undergo medical tests.

Reports have said a source at the London club expressed concern that the player could be sidelined for at least a month, forcing manager Arsene Wenger to look for a replacement in Phillipe Senderos or Johan Djourou to partner William Gallas in defense.

"Kolo was in hospital until the early hours and released into the care of Arsenal medical staff," said the source.

"Malaria is very serious and and this could lay Kolo low for weeks or maybe months.

"He needs more tests back in London to establish exactly what has struck him down but the initial thoughts are that it could be malaria."