England boss Fabio Capello remains hopeful that Chelsea fullback Ashley Cole will be fit for the World Cup.

Cole underwent surgery yesterday on an injury picked up at Everton on Wednesday that is set to keep him out for three months.

"It is sad news for me because he is a very important player," Capello acknowledged.

"He is good when he defending and really dangerous when we go forward. I hope this problem will not be so serious."