Blues dismiss Cole setback reports

Cole has returned from three weeks in France following the operation, which is understood to have been a complete success. He fractured his left ankle against Everton in early February, and following surgery has undergone intensive rehabilitation. But speculation that Cole will not play again this season and could miss the World Cup have been quashed by Chelsea. It was suggested that even the most optimistic reports from the Stamford Bridge medical team put his chances of making the England squad as "touch and go". But describing such a claim as "nonsense", a Chelsea spokesman said: "The club's medical staff are delighted with Ashley's operation and the treatment he's received so far. "Contrary to reports, he's recovering extremely well from his injury and he's bang on schedule." Cole is set to return prior to the end of the season and stake a claim for a place in Fabio Capello's squad. The defender remains the country's first-choice left-back following Wayne Bridge's decision to rule himself out of contention for England selection.