Cole eyes semi-final comeback

Ashley Cole is confident of being fit for Sunday’s FA Cup semi-final against Sheffield United after playing 90 minutes for Arsenal reserves against Coventry last night.

Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger watched as Cole completed his second reserve game in a week since recovering from a hernia operation which has kept him out for six weeks.

The England left-back is now hoping to take part in a key period for his club, which starts on Sunday against the Blades, before Premiership title rivals Manchester United visit Highbury the following Wednesday.

“They said I would be a bit stiff but we’ve got a good physio, so hopefully I’ll make both games,” he told Sky Sports News.

Of Sunday’s opponents, he said: “We are not underestimating them. They have good league form and if they take that form into the game it will be tough.”