Ashley Cole to miss Schalke tie

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has been ruled out of Tuesday’s Champions League clash with Schalke with a rib injury, according to Sky Sports.

The left-back is close to making his return to the side after suffering the injury against Norwich on October 6th but he did not travel to Germany with the squad.

Chelsea have said on their website that ‘Jose Mourinho believes tomorrow’s game has come just too soon for the left back and he has remained in the UK.’

Germany forward Andre Schurrle did travel with the squad, though, as he overcomes a leg injury that forced him out of the Blues’ 4-1 win at home to Cardiff City at the weekend.

Cole’s absence is a big blow for Chelsea, the experienced defender has created six chances in seven games. It is expected that Ryan Bertrand will take the left-back role, as he did against Cardiff. During Chelsea’s last Premier League fixture, Bertrand won all his tackles and won just two of his five aerial duels. The 24-year-old also showed good composure on the ball, competing 93% of his passes.

Ashley Cole has made 10 interceptions this season, no Chelsea defender has made more interceptions than him.