Ashley Cole has been ruled out of England’s qualifier with Belarus on Wednesday, joining team mate John Terry on the sidelines.
A hamstring problem has put Cole out of action, although he’ll also be nursing a wounded ego after the rather harsh reaction of the England fans to his “defensive lapse” against Kazakhstan. Terry meanwhile, is still nursing a problem with his lower back that kept him out of Saturday’s 5-1 win. Upson is set to continue alongside Ferdinand on Wednesday, while Chelsea team mate, Bridge will likely come in for Cole.
There’s no word from Chelsea as yet as to the extent of the injury but, like Terry, although he’ll be a doubt for next weekend, I expect him to be fit enough to take his place in the Chelsea side for the trip to Boro. Their fantasy owners have no need to fret just yet then, although I’ll obviously bring you news on these two injuries as the week progresses.