Chelsea Football Club

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Rafael Benitez

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42440

Blues positive over Ashley

21 May 2008 - 07:15:46

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Chelsea are optimistic that Ashley Cole will be fit for the Champions League Final despite suffering an ankle problem during a training session at the Luzhniki Stadium.

The England left-back was left writhing on the ground in agony after a lunging tackle from team-mate Claude Makelele.

Chelsea medical staff tended to his right ankle and Cole gingerly resumed the training session with heavy strapping on the joint.

Fellow England left-back Wayne Bridge is reportedly on standby to start the clash with Manchester United, but a club statement has attempted to allay fears over Cole's fitness.

Midfielder Joe Cole also suffered a knock in the training session but is expected to play.

"In a challenge with Claude Makelele in front of hundreds of cameras and the world football press, Ashley Cole hurt his right ankle," read the statement.

"He was treated, it was tested, then strapped, but after consultation between Grant, club doctor Bryan English and physios Dave Hancock and Thierry Laurent, Cole resumed and took full part in the final training game - only disappearing down the tunnel after the players had listened to Avram's (Grant's) address and been stood down for a final kick around."