Ashley Cole has been pencilled in to make his Chelsea return next month – six weeks before the start of the World Cup.

The left-back has been out since fracturing his ankle against Everton last month. He spent two weeks in southern France but will step up his rehabilitation programme next week.

Blues boss Carlo ­Ancelotti expects Cole to return for the home game with Stoke on April 25.

He said: “Ashley could play the last few games of the season.”

The news will cheer England boss Fabio Capello, who has already lost David Beckham to injury.