Cole eyeing Valencia return

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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."