World Cup tours news: Fabio Capello laments possible loss of Ashley Cole

12/02/2010

Ashley Cole has become one of the latest players who could miss out on their country's World Cup tours this summer.

The Chelsea and England left-back was on the receiving end of a strong challenge from Everton's Landon Donovan during the two sides' recent Premier League clash at Goodison Park.

He will miss the next three months of the season with a fractured ankle, which gives him just weeks to prove his fitness before teams embark on their World Cup tours for the tournament's June 11th 2010 start.

England boss Fabio Capello admitted that the potential loss of Cole would be a major blow, describing the 29-year-old as a "very important player".

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

It is not the first time that England have been plagued by injury worries in the build-up to World Cup tours.

Wayne Rooney broke a bone in his right foot prior to the 2006 tournament but managed to recover in time with the help of an oxygen tent.

Posted by Keith Prowse