Cole makes reserves return

England left-back Ashley Cole made a successful return to action in Chelsea reserves’ fixture against Reading.

Cole, who has been absent since suffering a knee ligament strain against Blackburn last month, managed 60 minutes at the Madejski Stadium.

His return will serve as a welcome boost to Jose Mourinho, who watched skipper John Terry leave the field on a stretcher during his side’s Champions League draw in Porto.

While Terry is definitely out of Sunday’s Carling Cup final against Arsenal, Cole has an outside chance of playing in Cardiff.

Chelsea’s second string won 1-0 courtesy of Ben Sahar’s goal.