Chelsea have been rocked by the news that Ashley Cole has sustained a depressed fracture of the tibia.
The full-back was ruled out of the England squad for next weekend's friendly with Brazil because of the injury.
Cole missed three games after initially sustaining the injury in the Blues' 4-0 home win against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last month.
The former Arsenal man returned against Atletico last week, but he aggravated the injury in Spain.
Cole played through the pain barrier requiring a painkilling injection in order to feature in Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester United
It is feared the 28-year-old could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines with the problem.
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."
The full-back was ruled out of the England squad for next weekend's friendly with Brazil because of the injury.
Cole missed three games after initially sustaining the injury in the Blues' 4-0 home win against Atletico Madrid in the Champions League last month.
The former Arsenal man returned against Atletico last week, but he aggravated the injury in Spain.
Cole played through the pain barrier requiring a painkilling injection in order to feature in Sunday's 1-0 win over Manchester United
It is feared the 28-year-old could face a lengthy spell on the sidelines with the problem.
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."
Comment