Friday Sep 08 2006 07:42
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho could hand a debut to Ashley Cole in Saturday's London derby against Charlton Athletic after the England international's protracted move from
Arsenal was finally sealed on transfer deadline day.
Cole came through England's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Andorra and FYR Macedonia unscathed and could team up with international team-mates Frank Lampard and John Terry against the Addicks.
After the club accused William Gallas of threatening to score an own goal or get himself sent off if he was not allowed to leave the Blues, Mourinho will be pleased to return to action on the pitch against a side that drew 1-1 at Stamford Bridge last season.
Charlton also knocked Chelsea out of the Carling Cup on penalties last term so revenge will be high on the Blues' list of priorities.
Arjen Robben is doubtful for Saturday's game because of a calf injury, while Joe Cole continues to make slow progress in his recovery from a knee injury. Geremi's leg injury rules him out of the match but Claude Makelele proved his fitness by playing the entire 90 minutes for France in their midweek win against world champions Italy.
New Charlton boss Iain Dowie has rung the changes at The Valley, bringing in nine new players since arriving at the club three months ago.
Unsurprisingly the new-look team has struggled to gel in the opening games of the season, losing to West ham and Manchester United before responding with a fine 2-0 victory against Bolton Wanderers at The Valley.
Dowie is confident Luke Young will be available for Saturday's game even though the former Spurs defender was unable to travel to Skopje with the rest of the England squad for Wednesday's Euro 2008 qualifier against FYR Macedonia because of an ankle problem. Dowie said: "It was decided that Luke should return as a precautionary measure.
"He's been in outstanding form since the start of the season and we still expect him to be in consideration for the game at the weekend."
Dowie also believes Darren Ambrose will be able to face the Premiership champions, despite a groin injury forcing the former Newcastle United star to drop out of the England Under-21 squad for Wednesday's win against Switzerland.
Iceland international Hermann Hreidarsson starts his three-game suspension following his dismissal in the win against Bolton.
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