• Premier League

Ancelotti hopeful of Cole return

ESPN staff
February 12, 2010
Ashley Cole's participation in the World Cup is in doubt after breaking his ankle © Getty Images
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Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Ashley Cole will undergo surgery on his ankle on Friday, but has not ruled out the defender playing again this season.

The England international was ruled out for three months after suffering a broken ankle against Everton in midweek, with the injury casting doubt on his participation at the World Cup finals.

It was initially believed that Cole would not undergo surgery, but the Chelsea manager has now confirmed that the defender will go under the knife on Friday.

"I hope he has a good rest and comes back before the end of the season," Ancelotti said. "He will have surgery today and we hope he comes back quickly.

"It is bad news as Ashley is a very important player for us. But sometimes these important players can get injuries."

Cole and John Terry were confirmed absentees for Chelsea's FA Cup clash with Cardiff and Ancelotti has taken the decision to name his side 24 hours early.

"Tomorrow we play Hilario in goal, defenders are Ferreira, Alex, Carvalho and Zhirkov. Midfielders Lampard, Mikel, Ballack, and strikers Sturridge, Joe Cole and Drogba, Ancelotti said. "You want the bench? Turnbull, Bruma, Ivanovic, Malouda, Matic, Borini and Kalou.

"We have some problems with Deco because he has a little problem, and Belletti, they will be ready for next week. Bosingwa is working and again, maybe he needs three weeks."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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