Chelsea get Terry boost but Cole injury setback
CHELSEA and England midfielder Joe Cole will miss the club’s pre-season trip to America after suffering a setback in his recovery from a knee injury.
Cole had hoped to return to first-team action next month, shortly after the start of the new Premier League season, but now looks likely to be out until September.
The 27-year-old underwent another operation on his knee on Wednesday after suffering a torn meniscus on his return to training following a cruciate ligament injury.
Chelsea called the procedure “a minor operation” and said the player would return to training in “approximately one month”.
However his absence from pre-season preparations mean he is still likely to need additional weeks to gain match fitness.
Captain John Terry, a £35m transfer target for Manchester City, handed Chelsea a boost by taking his place among the 26-man squad that left for America yesterday.
There were doubts over whether Terry would join the tour while uncertainty remains over his future. City are reportedly ready to offer the England skipper £250,000 per week.
New signings Daniel Sturridge and Ross Turnbull were also among the party, while £18m summer arrival Yuri Zhirkov will join the tour later.