Cole's injury list expands

Koen Freriks

27 februari 2006, 22:20

Arsenal and England left-back Ashley Cole suffered another injury, just 10 minutes into his comeback against Tottenham Hotspur.

Cole was playing for Arsenal reserves in his first competitive match back from a broken foot, when 10 minutes into the game he was substituted, clearly something was wrong.

The England regular suffered a thigh strain against Middlesbrough, the only time he had played since fracturing a bone in his foot back in October 2005. Arsene Wenger was hoping that Cole would return to action soon enough, to boost Arsenal's chances of gaining access to Europe. However the case was not helped with a 1-0 defeat to fellow title chasers Blackburn on Saturday.

Cole was not picked for England's friendly against Uruguay on Wednesday, but with these injuries, it is looking doubtful that he will be fit to play in the World Cup in Germany this year.

Sven Goran-Eriksson has picked Wayne Bridge to slot into left-back, as he is now finding form after securing a first team place at new club Fulham, London rivals of his former club Chelsea.

However, Arsenal do not have a replacement left-back, as Gael Cliche is injured, so Arsene Wenger will be forced to play somebody who has not been in that role before.