Chelsea defender Ashley Cole was missing from Monday’s training session as his club prepares for the second leg of their Champions League battle with Galatasaray.
Since the end of January, Cole has made only one appearance for England – and none for Chelsea – as he continues to deal with a lingering muscle issue in his leg.
Cole was linked by the press Monday morning with a move to Real Madrid. He was not even part of the squad defeated 1-0 by Aston Villa on Saturday, and his continued absence could be to the benefit of young defender Tomas Kalas.
The news surrounding David Luiz was more optimistic as the Brazilian did train and could be available to boss Jose Mourinho against Galatasaray. Luiz missed Chelsea’s 4-0 win over Tottenham as well as their shock defeat at Villa Park, which tightened Chelsea’s race for the Premier League title.
Chelsea go into the Stamford Bridge match even at 1-1 with Galatasaray after Aurelian Chedjou negated Fernando Torres’ early goal in Istanbul.
