Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in January and was ruled out for the season following an operation. The 27-year-old is pleased with how his recovery is going and is hopeful of returning to action in time for the beginning of next campaign.

"I am ahead of schedule," Cole told the Chelsea TV.

"The physios are really happy with me and how I feel at the moment is how I am supposed to be feeling. There is obviously a bit of muscle wastage in the legs so I am working on that but I am pleased.

"There was always in my head a dream of a possible UEFA Champions League or FA Cup Final but the physios put the kibosh on that every time I mention it.

"So my comeback target is going to be pre-season for the start of next season."