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CHELSEA defender Ashley Cole could miss the rest of the season after fracturing his ankle against Everton.
The England left-back limped off the pitch in the second half after picking up the injury in a challenge with American striker Landon Donovan.
The 29-year-old will be out of action for around three months and faces a race against time to be fit for England's World Cup campaign.
Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti said: "We are very disappointed because he's a very important player for us.
"Now we have to do our best to get him recovered quickly, although we have Zhirkov, who is a fantastic full-back, so we can use him."
Asked about Cole's prospects of playing in the World Cup, the Italian added: "I don't know. I hope so for him and for the England team."
The news also comes as a huge blow to national boss Fabio Capello, who could now face the nightmare scenario of having to play Wayne Bridge alongside John Terry in the England team.
Capello's men open their World Cup campaign with a match against the USA on June 12.
The England left-back limped off the pitch in the second half after picking up the injury in a challenge with American striker Landon Donovan.
The 29-year-old will be out of action for around three months and faces a race against time to be fit for England's World Cup campaign.
Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti said: "We are very disappointed because he's a very important player for us.
"Now we have to do our best to get him recovered quickly, although we have Zhirkov, who is a fantastic full-back, so we can use him."
Asked about Cole's prospects of playing in the World Cup, the Italian added: "I don't know. I hope so for him and for the England team."
The news also comes as a huge blow to national boss Fabio Capello, who could now face the nightmare scenario of having to play Wayne Bridge alongside John Terry in the England team.
Capello's men open their World Cup campaign with a match against the USA on June 12.
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