It was a training ground challenge with Shaun Wright – Phillips while with the English National Team back in August of 2006 that signaled the beginning of serious ankle problems for West Ham’s Dean Ashton, an injury that eventually forced the 26 year old to seriously consider retirement.

Via Guardian

It was reported last night that Ashton is looking into whether he can take legal action against Wright-Phillips and Chelsea, for whom the winger – now with Manchester City – was then playing.

Chelsea would challenge any such case given that the tackle was made while Wright-Phillips was with England.

Ashton returned the following year to play again for West Ham and went on to win his sole England cap in 2008 but the ankle injury recurred last season and he has been advised by the surgeon who performed the original operation, Niek van Dijk, that he risks rendering himself permanently unable to walk should he continue playing football.

Ashton moved to Upton Park from Norwich City in January 2006 for £7.25m. West Ham have been examining whether they are able to launch a compensation claim of around £7m against the Football Association.

Image via Academic