Cole eyeing Valencia return

Chelsea's Joe Cole has his eyes on a comeback in the Champions League match against Valencia this week.

Blues boss Jose Mourinho said earlier this season he feared the England midfielder would miss out for the remainder of the campaign with a stress fracture of the foot.

But Cole admitted he is "close to being absolutely perfect" in terms of fitness, following the December setback.

The 25-year-old former West Ham player told Chelsea TV: "I feel really happy to be back.

"There are always little niggles when you come back - I got one before the Watford game so we erred on the side of caution and I didn't come back.

"But I feel fine now, for the first time this season.

"When I came back last time (after a knee injury, last year) I was feeling it but now I feel my body is so close to being absolutely perfect.

"I've been out a long time but hopefully I can hit the ground running.

"I'll do what I can, even if it's only for 10 or 15 minutes."

Cole revealed his frustration at being on the sidelines, adding: "Injuries are part and parcel of being a footballer.

"But it's not nice being injured - you feel like you are letting your manager and the players down. "Everyone's been great though and I've fought every day to get back - and you get your rewards."

Chelsea play the first leg of their Champions League quarter-final against Valencia at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday night.

And Cole added: "Some said I wouldn't play this season but I want to come back and make an impact - and hopefully that'll be on Wednesday night."