Fabio Capello boost as Ashley Cole and Aaron Lennon resume training

11 April 2012

Ashley Cole and Aaron Lennon have given England coach Fabio Capello a massive World Cup boost by returning to training.

Chelsea full-back Cole has been out of action since he fractured his ankle against Everton in February. He was expected to be sidelined for three months after surgery but could return sooner than expected to help his side's Premier League title bid.

Capello will be delighted his first-choice left-back has made a rapid recovery and was able to do some gentle running exercises at Chelsea's Cobham training ground yesterday.

The 29-year-old is now on course to be back in action before the end of the month, with the home game against Stoke on 25 April his most likely return date.

Meanwhile, Tottenham winger Lennon returned to training yesterday after more than three months on the sidelines.

Lennon has not played for Spurs since 28 December due to a groin injury but he could be included in the squad for the FA Cup semi-final against Portsmouth on Sunday after taking part in an open training session at White Hart Lane yesterday.

Lennon was a key player for Spurs in the first half of the season but Harry Redknapp has promised not to rush the player back ahead of schedule.

The Spurs manager said: "It was great to see him out training but we've got to take our time, it's important he doesn't break down and have another setback.

"We'll see how he goes this week, the physios will monitor his progress and they will let us know when he's ready to come back and start playing again. He's getting closer and that's good news."

Spurs defender Michael Dawson could also be involved in the showdown at Wembley despite missing last weekend's 3-1 defeat at Sunderland due to an Achilles injury.

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