Cole closes in on West Ham return

Published : 11 Jan 2010 10:53:05

West Ham and England striker Carlton Cole is nearing a return to first-team action following a knee injury.Cole, 26, has been sidelined since damaging knee ligaments in the Hammers 5-3 win over Burnley on 28 November. West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola told the club's official website that Cole has stepped up his recovery and may return before the end of January. "They're talking about towards the end of the month but we'll see," said Zola. "We're not putting pressure on him." It is unlikely.... read more