Chelsea Manager Carlo Ancelotti is insisting that 29 year old England International Ashley Cole is fully recovered from both his broken ankle (back in February) and personal turmoil (marriage issues) to return to the first team.

Via DailyMail

The 29-year-old has recovered from the broken ankle he sustained against Everton back in February but his marriage to wife Cheryl remains in trouble following lurid headlines linking him to a string of other women.

Cole was back in the squad for the defeat at Tottenham last weekend but remained an unused substitute. There is every chance he could make a playing return against Stoke tomorrow as Chelsea prepare for another massive weekend in the title race.

‘I think he passed a bad moment because the injury was very serious,’ said Ancelotti. ‘But he has had time to recover very well, not only physically but also with a good mentality. Now he’s fit 100 per cent. I think that he is focused, 100 per cent, on playing football. Nothing else.’

Chelsea will be without suspended captain John Terry and injured midfielder John Obi Mikel against Tony Pulis’ side. The Blues are one point clear of Manchester United at the Barclays Premier League summit but that could have all changed by the time the Blues take the field tomorrow.