Ancelotti reassures Cole over Chelsea future

Carlo Ancelotti has reassured England winger Joe Cole that he has an important role to play when he returns from injury. Cole, 27, has been sidelined since January after suffering a knee injury during his club's FA Cup win at Southend and won't be...

Carlo Ancelotti has reassured England winger Joe Cole that he has an important role to play when he returns from injury.

Cole, 27, has been sidelined since January after suffering a knee injury during his club's FA Cup win at Southend and won't be fully fit for several weeks after a setback ruled him out of Chelsea's July tour to America.

Luiz Felipe Scolari and Guus Hiddink have departed since Cole made the last of his 19 appearances last season and he is in danger of becoming the forgotten man of Stamford Bridge.

New boss Ancelotti has played a narrow midfield without wingers in Chelsea's pre-season friendlies, leading some to suggest Cole would be frozen out, but the Italian has no intention of leaving such a gifted player on the sidelines.

"I like football, so I know everything about Joe Cole," he said. "I know all about the top players. He's perfect to play behind the strikers and has the maturity.

"He's very good at playing in a small space and is a good dribbler. I will wait until he's recovered from injury and then try him."

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