Ashley Cole, the Chelsea full back, is a doubt for tomorrow night's Champions League final against Manchester United after injuring his ankle in training.
Cole was caught by a crude tackle from Claude Makelele, his team-mate, as Avram Grant's side were going through a final practice session at the Luzhniki Stadium in Moscow. The full back appeared in great discomfort as he was attended to on the pitch by medical staff.
The Chelsea head coach's face was a picture of concern as Cole was carried to the sidelines where he immediately removed his boot and was given pain-killing spray before the injury was heavily strapped.
Makelele also looked mortified, having lunged in with a two-footed scissor-like challenge on Cole, who would likely be replaced in the starting line-up by Wayne Bridge if he is unfit.
Five minutes after receiving treatment, Cole's condition had improved appreciably and he was able to take his part in the rest of the training session, though there must be some concern in the Chelsea camp about how the injury will react overnight.
Cole is desperate to participate in the final and become the only player to have represented two English clubs in European football's showcase event. He was in the Arsenal side that was beaten 2-1 by Barcelona in Paris two years ago.
