Cole undergoes hernia operation
Thursday, 27 February, 2003
Arsenal and England's Ashley Cole is set to be on the sidelines for up to a mont
Arsenal and England's Ashley Cole is set to be on the sidelines for up to a month after having to undergo a hernia operation following Arsenal's 0-0 draw away to Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday night
Arsenal and England's Ashley Cole is set to be on the sidelines for up to a month after having to undergo a hernia operation following Arsenal's 0-0 draw away to Ajax in the Champions League on Wednesday night.
Cole, 22, had his operation today and all reports suggest that he suffered no further setbacks.
"This was an injury which Ashley had been suffering from this season and it worsened after our Uefa Champions League match against Ajax last night," a statement on Arsenal.com said.
"Ashley was examined by club medical staff this morning, at which stage it was decided to proceed with the operation.
"The minor operation was successful and everyone at the club wishes Ashley a speedy recovery and look forward to seeing him back in action very soon."
There is a chance that unless Cole makes a speedy recovery to full match fitness that his participation in England's crunch Euro 2004 qualifiers against Liechtenstein and Turkey could be in doubt.
And with Southampton's Wayne Bridge back in training after a spell out injured himself, it will be interesting to see which of the two young defenders will be ready to join the squad for those forthcoming matches.