Wenger calms Cole World Cup fears

Arsene Wenger is confident Ashley Cole will return to action for Arsenal in time to prove his fitness for the World Cup.

Manager Wenger has been without England left-back Cole for most of the season due to foot, thigh and ankle injuries.

Cole, 25, has made just seven starts in the Barclays Premiership this season and suffered a setback last week when he injured his ankle in a reserve match against Tottenham.

He was attempting a comeback after injuring his thigh against Middlesbrough in January, which in turn was his first match back since fracturing a foot in October.

Wenger expects him back shortly and told a press conference broadcast by Sky Sports News: “You can be completely reassured that for England he will be okay.”

Cole’s injury threatened to pose a problem to England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson, although Wenger’s assurance, and the likelihood second-choice left-back Wayne Bridge will be back in action for Fulham shortly after spraining an ankle, could mean both travel to Germany this summer.