Fitness fears over striker Cole ease

Adrian Curtis13 April 2012

Blackburn's Andy Cole is expected to recover from his stomach bug in time for Sunday's Final in Cardiff.

The striker, signed in December from Manchester United for £8million, pulled out of yesterday's press conference because he was unwell.

However, Blackburn said today they are confident he will be ready for the match with Totttenham.

Blackburn manager Graeme Souness could give a surprise debut to new signing Yordi Gonzalez, who is on loan from Real Zaragoza.

Souness said: "You will definitely see Yordi at some stage on Sunday. He is a typical English-style centre-forward of a few years ago.

"He's big, mobile and will give us something else up front. I looked at him before we even signed Cole but was told he wasn't available.

"I got a phone call last week saying we could have Yordi on loan."

Turkish defender Hakan Unsal will not play any part in the Final. His move from Galatasaray has been delayed by work permit problems.

Blackburn are already without defender Craig Short and midfielders Tugay and Garry Flitcroft due to suspensions.

Meanwhile, as reported by Standard Sport yesterday, Spurs defender Ledley King has declared himself available.

He was forced to pull out of England's international in Holland last week due to tonsillitis and missed Sunday's FA Cup win over Tranmere.

But King said today: "I'm feeling a lot better now. I'm still on antibiotics, and I'll be taking them for the next week or so to make sure it doesn't come back, but I should be fit for Sunday. I don't feel too bad."

However, Spurs striker Sergei Rebrov is struggling with a hamstring strain and could miss out on a seat among the substitutes.

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