Cole Back In Action

Ashley Cole will return to the Arsenal squad for their visit to Sunderland on Monday after a run of injuries, manager Arsene Wenger said on Friday. Wenger will be relieved to have the England international back in action after he admitted that several players were struggling with injuries.

Gilberto, Alexander Hleb, Jose Antonio Reyes and Mathieu Flamini are all likely to miss the Premier League match against relegated Sunderland as Arsenal try to finish above London rivals Tottenham in the final Champions League spot.

Left back Cole has managed little more than an hour of competitive soccer since October after breaking his foot, suffering a thigh injury and then damaging his ankle. He played 90 minutes for the reserves on Thursday. "Ashley played last night and came through well," Wenger said. "He had no problem today and will be available for Monday." Wenger said his captain Thierry Henry was a worthy winner of the Footballer of the Year award, which was announced on Thursday. The French striker won the Football Writers' Association (FWA) award for the third time in four years and Wenger said his best was still to come. "It's a reward not only for an exceptional football player but when you win it for three years it means you dedicate your life to football," Wenger said. "Many times, you know, people get in the newspapers for the wrong headlines. In his case I feel that this is a reward for a very clean life." "I think the next two years will be his best. Hopefully that will be at Arsenal."