Chelsea FC

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Cole to miss rest of season

17 Jan 2009 - 15:19:41

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Chelsea have received a major injury blow with the news that Joe Cole will not play again this season after rupturing his anterior cruciate ligament.

The England midfielder picked up the injury during Wednesday's 4-1 FA Cup third-round replay victory at Southend United.

Cole had the ball at his feet out on the left wing when he pulled up and fell to the ground, before being helped from the pitch by the medical staff.

But following scans on Friday, Chelsea have confirmed the severity of the injury and that Cole has already undergone reconstructive surgery.

"I am very sad for Joe to have suffered this injury and I am disappointed to have lost a very important player for me and the club at such a vital moment in the competition," Luiz Felipe Scolari told the club's official website.

"However, I believe that with his spirit, Joe will come back to Chelsea even better than before."

Cole is the second Chelsea player to be struck down by the serious injury this season after Michael Essien also ruptured the same knee tendon back in August.