Cole out of Moldova qualifier

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has been ruled out of England’s World Cup qualifying clash with Moldova on Friday.

The 31-year-old has returned to his club in order to receive further treatment on the ankle injury which is described as ‘minor’ by the FA’s official website.

England manager Roy Hodgson remains hopeful that the left-back could make feature in the second qualifying clash next Tuesday against Ukraine.

Cole, who helped Chelsea to their maiden Champions League success last term, featured in every game at Euro 2012 as England were knocked out by Italy in the quarter-finals.

The upcoming games mark Hodgson’s first qualifiers with England after he succeeded Fabio Capello in the national team hotseat with a European Championships place already confirmed.