Arsenal's Cole ruled out of United clash

Ashley Cole has been ruled out of Arsenal’s Premiership clash against Manchester United due to a knee injury and faces a scan tomorrow to determine how long he will be on the sidelines.

Cole is, however, almost certain to also miss England’s friendly against Sweden next week in Gothenburg, leaving Wayne Bridge poised to start in the left-back role for the national side.

The Arsenal full-back jarred his knee during the midweek Champions League tie against Chelsea, in which he set up Robert Pires’ equaliser with a pin-point cross.

The club’s website, www.arsenal.com , tonight reported: “Ashley Cole has been ruled out of Sunday’s Premiership clash with Manchester United having sustained a knee injury in Wednesday’s 1-1 draw at Chelsea.

“He completed the 90 minutes at Stamford Bridge but hobbled on to the coach after the game.

"Ashley will undergo a scan on Friday to ascertain the full extent of the injury.”

Emerging French defender Gael Clichy is likely to replace Cole against United, having also stepped in for three games when the England international served a suspension during December.

Arsenal conceded just one goal in that time, in their 1-1 draw at Bolton, while also defeating Wolves and Southampton, and many observers have been impressed with Clichy’s rich potential.