Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti is planning for Ashley Cole to make his return from injury against Stoke at the end of April meaning the defender should be fit for the World Cup. Cole has been out of action since February after breaking his ankle against Everton and it was feared that he would not make England's squad for this summer's international finals in South Africa.
News that Cole is planning to make his comeback in around two weeks will therefore come as a major boost to the England manager Fabio Capello, and Chelsea as they prepare for a nervy run-in to the Premier League title race.
"Ashley Cole is closer to playing," said Ancelotti. "I think he will need some days to train and we hope he is available for the game against Stoke on 25th April.
"Ashley is an important player for England and after the season they still have a month to get ready, so he will be ready for sure, but I have not spoken to Capello."
Cole's return will give him three league games and the FA Cup final, should Chelsea beat Aston Villa in this weekend's semi-final, to prove he is worth a place in Capello's squad.
