Ashley Cole is to undergo surgery on his broken ankle with Carlo Ancelotti backing the defender to be fit in time for the World Cup.
Ancelotti backs defender to recover in time for World Cup
England and Chelsea defender Ashley Cole is to undergo surgery on his broken ankle later on Friday.
The left-back is facing a race against time to be fit for the World Cup this summer after being ruled out of action for the next three months, but Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti believes he will recover in time.
Cole sustained the injury to his left ankle during Wednesday night's 2-1 Premier League defeat to Everton at Goodison Park.
The former Arsenal ace was hurt in a fair challenge with Landon Donovan, with the USA skipper expected to line up against England in their World Cup opener on 12th June.
Cole's injury has led to inevitable speculation as to who will replace him in Fabio Capello's plans for the showpiece tournament in South Africa.
Bridge
Manchester City defender Wayne Bridge is the recognised deputy, but he has been inadvertently thrust into the media spotlight in recent weeks.
A series of newspaper allegations over axed captain John Terry's reported relationship with Bridge's ex-girlfriend led to speculation that the full-back could be ready to leave the international scene.
That suggestion was rejected by Eastlands manager Roberto Mancini, who firmly believes Bridge will answer his country's call if he is selected for the forthcoming friendly with Egypt on 3rd March.
Other candidates to fill the void for the national side include Everton's Leighton Baines, City pair Joleon Lescott and Gareth Barry, and Aston Villa duo James Milner and Stephen Warnock.
Ancelotti has bemoaned the loss of Cole as the Blues target glory in the Premier League, UEFA Champions League and FA Cup, but feels he will be fit in time for the World Cup.
Realistic
He said: "I'm disappointed because Ashley is a very important player for us, but it can happen that a player gets an injury.
"I hope he recovers quickly and comes back before the end of the season. That's a realistic possibility. He will have surgery today and we hope to recuperate him quickly.
"In three months he will be ready to play, so for England he can play in the World Cup."
Ancelotti has confirmed he will use Yuri Zhirkov in Cole's absence, starting with Saturday's home FA Cup fifth-round meeting with Cardiff.
He added: "It's bad news, but we have the opportunity to play Yuri Zhirkov, another fantastic left-back, and I have confidence that he will do a very good job.
"He's played very well in the last few games, and has played very well at left-back as well as in midfield. I've said I have a lot of confidence in him.
"He's a very good player. We wanted to buy him in the summer also for this - he could be an alternative to Ashley. Now his moment has come and I think he will be fit to do his best."
