Cole hernia operation latest blow for Arsenal
While Fredrik Ljungberg was finally setting his sights on a long-awaited return to first-team action, Arsenal were suffering a fresh injury blow.
Cole had a minor operation after an existing hernia problem resurfaced during his team’s Champions League goalless draw in Amsterdam on Wednesday night.
The surgery is said to have been successful and while there was no official prognosis, early indications are that the defender could be out for between three to six weeks.
The best-case scenario would see him back for Arsenal’s final Champions League group game away to
Valencia on March 19 or the Premiership match at home to Everton on March 23.
Appearing in that game or, indeed, a possible FA Cup replay against Chelsea two days later would be vital if Cole hopes to prove his fitness to Sven-Goran Eriksson ahead of England’s Euro 2004 qualifier in Liechtenstein the following weekend.
The national team also take on Turkey in the second stage of the back-to-back qualifiers and Eriksson would not want to take a risk on Cole’s fitness in games of such importance.
He may therefore instead look towards Southampton full-back Wayne Bridge, who has been injured himself lately but is now on the verge of a timely comeback.
Bridge has not started a competitive game at full-back for England, although he has begun four friendlies in that role, was used there as a substitute at the World Cup and was also on the left flank for the qualifier against Macedonia last October.
If Cole does not recover in time, it could mean Charlton’s Paul Konchesky, who made his debut against Australia, keeping his place in the squad, although Jamie Carragher and Phil Neville would also be in contention.
Gunner Oleg Luzhny, who has also been out injured lately, can play in the left back position, although the most likely replacement is Giovanni van Bronckhorst, who has filled the role for Holland on several occasions.
Cole was due to be suspended for Sunday’s Premiership game at home to Charlton in any case, along with Patrick Vieira and Lauren, meaning that van Bronckhorst was already likely to come into the side.
“Ashley was examined by club medical staff this morning, at which stage it was decided to proceed with the operation,” read a statement from Arsenal.
“The minor operation was successful and everyone at the club wishes Ashley a speedy recovery and looks forward to seeing him back in action very soon.”
On a more positive note for Arsene Wenger, Ljungberg came through 74 minutes of a reserve game against Charlton and is now hoping to face the south-east London side’s first -team at Highbury this weekend.
The last time the dynamic Swede played for the first-team was on
December 21 and he has started just 17 games all season due to a run of hip, ankle, virus and Achilles problems.
However, after scoring on his third reserve outing, he said: “I’ll have to see how it is nearer the game but I can tell you it feels better than it did.”
Ljungberg added: “The pace of the game is not really a problem, it’s more because we haven’t wanted me to play too long in case I get a reaction.”
