Cole to miss Gunners clash with Chelsea

Arsenal will be without Ashley Cole for the Barclaycard Premiership match at Chelsea on Sunday.

Cole sustained a back injury playing for England in Portugal last night and Gunners boss Arsene Wenger says the player will miss out on the Stamford Bridge clash.

He told the club’s official website, www.arsenal.com: “Ashley has a stiff back. He came in today and it was very stiff and very inflamed.

“We believe he will be short for Saturday’s game but he might have a chance to play on Tuesday (at Celta Vigo in the Champions League).”

“Gilberto has a bad knock on his ankle but fortunately it is not twisted. We will see how he responds to treatment today and training tomorrow. There is small possibility for Saturday.

“But Ray Parlour (knee) is out as well so our options are shorter now. It is important not to get any more injuries.”