Cole hernia operation latest blow for Arsenal

ARSENAL full-back Ashley Cole is set to be ruled out of action for about a month after undergoing a hernia operation, making him doubtful for England’s Euro 2004 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Turkey.

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.