Chelsea boss Ancelotti reveals Cole ankles not ready for Moscow turf

Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti admits injury concerns may prevent Ashley Cole from playing tonight on Spartak Moscow's plastic pitch.

Cole’s ankles have taken a battering in the four years since his move from Arsenal and the 29-year-old left back must manage his fitness and often does not train for two days after a game.

"He needs more days to recover," said Ancelotti.

"For a year, he has had a little problem with his ankle. After the game you maybe have to give him two days of recovery instead of one.

"I played for 10 years with a problem with my knee. To play a lot of games in a season is a lot of stress for your body.

"He doesn’t have a problem today but this pitch is different. It is the same for Essien.

"After training, we will take a decision. If he is comfortable on this pitch, he’ll play. If he is not comfortable, he will not."

 
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