Injury scuppers Cole's Euro dream
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Joe Cole has revealed his dream of making a return from injury in either the FA Cup or Champions League final has been dashed.
The England midfielder has been out of action since January after suffering a cruciate ligament injury against Southend.
The wide-man had hoped to make a fairytale return in time for a season-ending finale, but now admits he is unlikely to feature before pre-season.
“I am ahead of schedule,” he told the official club website. “The physios are really happy with me and how I feel at the moment is how I am supposed to be feeling.
“There is obviously a bit of muscle wastage in the legs so I am working on that but I am pleased.
“There was always in my head a dream of a possible Champions League or FA Cup Final but the physios put the kybosh on that every time I mention it.
“So my comeback target is going to be pre-season for the start of next season.”
The Chelsea midfielder also revealed he has been playing through the pain barrier since the opening game of the season against Portsmouth.
“That was the only game where I have not been carrying a knock,” Cole added.
“I have just had one of those seasons with loads of injuries. A lot of the time I told the manager I am not ready but if you want me, I will do a job because that is what I am paid to do.
“I spoke to the doctor and asked is me playing with this injury going to cause me any long-term damage. And if he says no, you play through the pain barrier because that is what you do. This year I tried to do it but eventually I got the big one.”
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pity him ):