Chelsea defender Ashley Cole is confident he will be fit for the start of the new season.

Cole has only recently returned to full training after undergoing an ankle operation over the summer.

"It is good to be back, taking it day by day and hopefully I can start the season," Cole told Chelsea TV.

"I finished my first full session back with the lads and I am glad to be back enjoying it.

"But I can still feel it a bit and so I have got to take my time and make sure I am fully fit for the start of the season.

"I will have a good week training now and hopefully be involved against Brondby and of course hopefully the Community Shield."

The England international is refusing to rush his return as he does not want to suffer a recurrence of his ankle problem.

"I don't want to rush back because it has been a tough month for me getting fit and I don't want to waste all that hard work, start the season and then have to stop really, really early."