ON TRACK ... Ashley Cole

CHELSEA have handed Fabio Capello a major boost by insisting Ashley Cole WILL play again this season.

Reports at the weekend suggested the left-back would miss the World Cup due to a setback in his recovery from a broken ankle.

But the Blues claim Cole will be back in time to prove his fitness to Capello ahead of England's trip to South Africa.

A club 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.