Ashley Cole could miss out on Champions League clash
Chelsea defender Ashley Cole might be rested for his side’s UEFA Champions League group stage clash against Spartak Moscow on Tuesday, 19 October.
The 29-year-old has been playing through the pain barrier with a persistent ankle injury. The left-back broke his left ankle in February this year, and the joint has caused him problems since he joined Chelsea four years ago from English Premier League rivals
Arsenal.
Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti told reporters that Cole’s involvement would depend on his reaction to a training session on the artificial pitch at the Luzhniki Stadion.
"I don’t know if Ashley Cole is able to play. This pitch is different. Nobody knows about this pitch, because we don’t have experience on this pitch. We have to look and see what happens."
Michael Essien's knee a problem
Michael Essien is also suffering due to his knee problems.
"It is the same for Michael Essien, who has a problem with his knee. After the training, we will take a decision. If he is comfortable to play on this pitch, he will play. If he is not comfortable, he will stay out."
Meanwhile, Cole has revealed that although his ankle made him feel more like 35 or 40 years old on occasion, he was aiming to see out the remaining three years on his contract at Chelsea and end his career with the EPL champions.
"At the minute I’m just taking it year on year and seeing how the body is, because I’m 29, but I feel like 35 or 40. It’s hard getting up in the mornings, but I hope to have another four years and hopefully win a few more medals and win the Champions League.
I’ve got three more years at Chelsea and I’d love to finish my career here."
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