Cole hit by fresh injury setback

Cole provides Chelsea with a creative spark

Chelsea midfielder Joe Cole has suffered a setback to his comeback from injury and will miss the club's pre-season tour of the United States.

A cruciate knee ligament injury in January ruled 27-year-old Cole out for the rest of the 2008/2009 season.

He recently returned to training but suffered a small tear to his meniscus in the knee and has undergone surgery.

"We expect Cole to return to full training in approximately one month," said a statement on Chelsea's website.

606: DEBATE How big a blow is Joe Cole's injury for Chelsea?

Chelsea called the blow a "minor setback" but it will prove further frustration for Cole and the Stamford Bridge outfit.

The playmaker provides Chelsea with a creative spark while he will also be eager to return to the first-team and force his way back into the England team ahead of the 2010 World Cup finals.

Chelsea will leave for the US on Thursday and will play four matches on the trip, starting with a match against Seattle Sounders on Saturday, 18 July.