Chelsea hit with Cole injury
442 Staff - Monday 09 November 2009, 15:51
Premier League leaders Chelsea have been hit with the news that defender Ashley Cole has suffered a depressed fracture of the tibia following Sunday's victory over Manchester United.
The England international initially sustained the problem during the Blues' 4-0 Champions League victory over Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge, forcing him to miss the club's following three fixtures against Blackburn and Bolton (twice).
He returned to action against Atletico last week in the 2-2 draw in Madrid.
However, the 28-year-old has since aggravated the injury during Sunday's 1-0 success against United, and could now be out for several weeks.
"Ashley Cole has not been selected in the England squad for their friendly against Brazil," said a Chelsea spokeman.
"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."