Cole looks to capitalise on Robben injury

JOE COLE is looking to make the most of Arjen Robben’s enforced absence over the next few weeks by helping maintain Chelsea’s four- pronged trophy challenge.

Robben's foot injury has given fresh hope to Manchester United that they can yet catch Jose Mourinho's side, who still lead the table by nine points. However, it has also provided a chance for the likes of Cole and Mateja Kezman to prove they can make an impact.

On top of Chelsea's title challenge, they also have the FA Cup fifth-round clash at Newcastle, the Carling Cup final against Liverpool and the Champions League last-16 ties against Barcelona to play for.

With Kezman missing through illness at Goodison Park last Saturday, Cole seized his opportunity in an encouraging display in Chelsea's 1-0 win.

"At Everton, I was involved in the game and enjoyed it. I love playing and if I was to get a run, I'd be more than happy. Last year was difficult for me. I didn't have the chances that I should have had at times.

"At Chelsea, the focus is now on nailing down a first-team place. If you take away Petr Cech, there are only three players who have got that. The other 17 or 18 are trying to perform when we get the chance."

Robben was in the same league as the trio of regular starters John Terry, Claude Makelele and Frank Lampard although Paulo Ferreira, William Gallas and Damien Duff have also featured regularly this season.

Robben's injury, sustained against Blackburn almost a fortnight ago could keep him out for up to two months, has nevertheless forced Mourinho to slightly alter his tactics.

With no natural replacement, he

is now concentrating on using Duff's speed on one flank, allied to the creativity of Cole or the attacking instincts of Kezman, who has scored just three times all season, on the other.

Cole, 23, has now made 16 starts so far this season in Chelsea's 40 games, but just nine have come in the Premiership and only four have been in the same line-up as Robben, who has otherwise been injured or rested.

Indeed, Cole's greatest involvement came earlier in the campaign during Robben's last injury absence, before Mourinho lost patience with the England midfielder over his failure to track back and defend.