By Joseph De Lacey - December 11, 2006
Joe Cole has been told he will not play for Chelsea until after the new year.
The England midfielder injured his foot in the 1-1 draw with Manchester United in November and a scan on Monday confirmed that he has a minor stress fracture.
Cole has managed only three starts for the blues this term, having missed the first three months of Chelsea's season after sustaining an injury to his right knee in Chelsea's pre-season tour of America.
Despite declaring himself, 'ready to play' only last week, Cole has been told he will now miss Chelsea's busy holiday fixture list, and will be unable to challenge for a place in Mourinho's side until mid January
Chelsea hit by double injury blow
tribalfooball.com - December 11, 2006
Chelsea are facing a double injury whammy for their Christmas programme.
Joe Cole will miss Chelsea's festive fixtures after a scan revealed a minor stress fracture of the foot.
Striker Didier Drogba is a doubt for tomorrow's game against Newcastle with a thigh injury. He will have a scan today.
Drogba said: "I don't know if I'll be fit or not, it's difficult."
If Drogba is out, Arjen Robben is likely to start in his place.
Boss Jose Mourinho said: "I liked Robben's contribution against Arsenal. He changed the face of the game when he went on."