Ashley Cole injured

[the wes 7,212]

Chelsea have been rocked by an injury to England left-back Ashley Cole which threatens to keep him out of action for weeks.

Colehas been diagnosed with a depressed fracture of the tibia afteraggravating the problem prior to yesterday's 1-0 home victory overManchester United.

The defender missed three games afterinitially sustaining the injury in the Blues' 4-0 home win againstAtletico Madrid in the Champions League last month.

Hereturned against Madrid in the return Group D game last week butrequired a painkilling injection in order to play against United.

A spokesman for Chelsea confirmed: "Ashley Cole has not been selected in the England squad for their friendly against Brazil.

"He has a depressed fracture of the tibia, an injury first picked up in the Atletico Madrid home match last month.

"He aggravated the injury before the match against Manchester United and required an injection to play.

"However, he further injured it during the game and has therefore been ruled out of this week's England squad."

www.birminghammail.net

[The Big Drog 1,110]

Yuri Zhirkov this is your time to shine.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Isn't he nursing an injury too?

[The Big Drog 1,110]

Isn't he nursing an injury too?

I heard he is pretty much fit , though he wasnt on the bench against Man Utd , Im guessing due to a lack of match sharpness. However he is in Russia's squad for their world cup qualifier games.

[Rambo 1,729]

Thank god we have Yuri! Don't know how good he is on defense though.

[chrismada9 1,948]

big blow for us, but I'm sure Zhirkov will just as good a job as Ashley has done so far this season.

Actually, I'm looking forward to seeing Zhirkov in action for us, his presence has been long overdue because of his knee injury.

[Kez 2,727]

Gutted but amazed he played through it.

[northernblue 2]

its Zhirkovs time to shine - he must have been so frustrated sitting on the sidelines unable to play for his new club. I'm not sure how long it will take to reach match fitness but hopefully he can use the Russia games to get up to speed.

[Milan 17,835]

nothing official yet but...

Chelsea have been given a boost after their mini injury crisis, withthe news that Ashley Cole has come through a rigorous training sessionyesterday, and his exceptionally quick recovery from a fractured tibiameans he will be fit to face Arsenal at the Emirates the weekend afternext, and may even play a part against Wolves on Saturday.

JustChelsea

[Rambo 1,729]

Good to hear, thanks milan.

[EskWeston 696]

Ashley Cole will most certainly NOT be playing against Wolves. Yes he was in full training yesterday but it was solely non contact for him at the moment still. Injury isn't as bad as it sounds, hopefully fingers crossed could be back for the Arse game.

[diskoviolente 425]

Carlo wouldn´t risk him against Wolves, thats for sure.

Hopefully Ballack, Lamps and Terry will be all fit against Arsenal

[zolayes 14,489]

its Zhirkovs time to shine - he must have been so frustrated sitting on the sidelines unable to play for his new club. I'm not sure how long it will take to reach match fitness but hopefully he can use the Russia games to get up to speed.

AND NOT PICK UP ANOTHER INJURY ...yes it was in caps ...remember arjen robben

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

If he's not 100% I wouldnt risk him with the Arsenal game coming up. I'd stick Ferreira out left. He'splayed there before a few times and looked solid enough.

Its only Wolves afterall

[northernblue 2]

I agree that Cole should not be risked against Wolves and am looking forward to the prospect of seeing Zhirkov play. I have high hopes for this lad and just hope he can remain injury-free for an extended period.