Injury hits Chelsea defender Cole

Cole (right) played in Chelsea's 1-0 win over Manchester United on Sunday

Chelsea could be without Ashley Cole for weeks after the left-back aggravated a leg injury at the weekend.

Cole missed three games after picking up the injury against Atletico Madrid last month and required an injection to face Manchester United on Sunday.

"He aggravated the injury before the United match and further injured it during the game," said a spokesman.

The injury meant the 28-year-old was not selected in England's squad for the friendly against Brazil on Saturday.

It is unclear how long the left-back will be sidelined for, with Chelsea's spokesman describing the injury as a depressed fracture of the tibia.

606: DEBATE Hopefully it will not be too long and he can be fit before the busy Xmas programme Aethelred_Unread

But it is undoubtedly a setback for the Premier League leaders as the England international has been one of their most impressive performers this season.

Cole returned to action in last week's 2-2 Champions League draw with Atletico after almost a fortnight out with the injury.

He will be one of a number of established names absent from Fabio Capello's squad for the friendly in Doha.

Rio Ferdinand and Steven Gerrard are also missing through injury, as are Aaron Lennon and Carlton Cole.