Cole out for two weeks

Joe Cole will be out of action for two weeks following the hamstring injury he sustained in Liverpool’s 1-0 win over Bolton on Sunday.

The England midfielder was assessed by the Melwood medical staff and the results of the scan have indicated he will face a brief spell on the sidelines.

Dr Peter Brukner, Liverpool’s head of sports medicine and sports science, said: “The scan confirmed Joe has sustained a hamstring strain. It is not a serious injury but still means he is likely to be out for two weeks.”

That means Cole will miss out on facing his old club Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has backed Cole to make a quick return from his injury and recapture the form that saw him become one of the hottest properties in Europe.

“There have been flashes of quality – notably the ball he produced for (Fernando) Torres in the win over Blackburn,” said Hodgson.

“I think Joe has done well in that he is so committed, he works his socks off and he wants to do well here.

“He is a quality player. But we haven’t seen the best of him.

“Absolutely not. There is more to come from him and he knows that.”