Cole ruled out of trip to Moldova

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has been ruled out of England’s opening World Cup qualifier against Moldova after suffering an ankle injury. Cole has been troubled by the problem since Chelsea’s UEFA Super Cup defeat against Atletico Madrid on Friday and the Football Association have confirmed the left-back won’t travel to Chisinau for Friday’s Group H clash. The 31-year-old will return to Chelsea for treatment this week before linking up again with his international team-mates. He will be assessed on Sunday and England coach Roy Hodgson hopes he could recover in time to feature in the qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley on Sept.11. “After reporting to the England hotel on Monday, Ashley Cole has returned to Chelsea for further treatment,” a statement on the FA website said. “Cole has a minor ankle concern and will be treated by his club this week, before being assessed by the England medical staff on Sunday to see if he is available for the qualifier with Ukraine, on Sept.11.”