Injured Cole to miss Chelsea game

Liverpool midfielder Joe Cole will be out of action for two weeks after sustaining a hamstring injury in the 1-0 Premier League win away at Bolton at the weekend.

The injury means that the England international will not be available to play his former club Chelsea at Anfield on Sunday.

Peter Brukner, Liverpool’s head of sports medicine and sports science, said: “The scan confirmed Joe has sustained a hamstring strain. It is not a serious injury but still means he is likely to be out for two weeks.”

Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson has backed Cole to make a quick return from his injury and recapture his best form.

“There have been flashes of quality – notably the ball he produced for (Fernando) Torres in the win over Blackburn,” said Hodgson.

“I think Joe has done well in that he is so committed, he works his socks off and he wants to do well here.

“He is a quality player. But we haven’t seen the best of him.

“Absolutely not. There is more to come from him and he knows that.”