Arsenal's Cole to start against City

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Ashley Cole, out of actions since October, will be in the starting lineup against Manchester City in the Premiership on Thursday.<br>

كتب : Amro Hassan

الأربعاء، 03 مايو 2006 - 21:25

Arsenal coach Arsene Wenger has confirmed that Ashley Cole, out of actions since October, will be in the starting lineup against Manchester City in the Premiership on Thursday.

"Cole will start, he's back to full fitness, he misses games at the moment but will get one against Manchester City," Wenger told Sky Sports News.

The England international defender has been suffering from fractured foot and ankle problems over the past seven months. French midfielder Mathieu Flamini was deployed in the left back role to fill in Cole's place.

Cole's comeback is good news for injury-hit Arsenal prior their first ever UEFA Champions League final against Barcelona on May 17th.

The 26-year-old will be a huge asset for England in their World Cu p campaign that they will kick-off against Paraguay on July 10th.

But Wenger said that Cole might not be physically prepared for the Paris encounter.

"He knows that as well as I know it, but he's looking better everyday and for the World Cup, fortunately for England he won't be a problem," Wenger said.