Chelsea's Joe Cole in line for return against Spurs

16 September 2009 09:00
Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti had publically ruled Cole out of his squad for the Porto match but included the 27-year-old midfielder after he took part in a full training session the day before the match. Cole has not featured for Chelsea since he damaged knee ligaments in the FA Cup tie away to Southend United in January, which was one of former manager Luiz Felipe Scolari’s last games in charge. Ancelotti is a fan of Cole’s and intends to play him as the tip of the diamond in a midfield formation that the Italian wants to use more often than not this season. Cole played in this role in a behind-closed-doors practice match last week against Fulham. Chelsea’s reserve team manager Steve Holland said: “We played Fulham last Tuesday in a match which finished 1-1. It was a chance for Paulo Ferreira (another long-term injury victim, also having damaged his knee) to get 90 minutes, which he came through fine. Joe Cole played about an hour in the position at the point of the diamond. He got through it well, looked fit and it was a big plus for Carlo, who was watching the game. “We (the reserves) have been trying to improve our play in the diamond formation. We’re still in our infancy but Carlo would like the reserves to play n the manner of the first-team, so we will continue to work on it. Some of the lads are still adjusting to it.” Ancelotti also watched the reserves score five times against Portsmouth with 18-year-old Italian striker Fabio Borini claiming two goals. He, too, was promoted to the Champions League squad after impressing Ancelotti who believes the Italian under-19 international could feature in the first-team this season and make the breakthrough from the club’s academy. However it is Cole’s return to fitness which will come as a huge relief to Ancelotti especially as he appears ideally suited to play in the diamond formation. Ancelotti has tried out Frank Lampard and also Deco, who also favours that role, but has also spoken of his desire to use Cole in the position which the player himself has said is ideal for him. With Didier Drogba returning to the squad, after being suspended for the Porto match, and with Deco close to also returning to fitness after a minor calf injury picked up on international duty it remains to be seen whether Ancelotti will use Cole against Spurs especially as the manager is determined to ensure the midfielder, who suffered a setback to his recovery in the summer, which ruled him out of the club’s pre-season tour to the United States, is fully fit.

Source: Telegraph