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Ashley Cole
Missing out: Ashley Cole is injured

Chelsea's Cole ruled out of trip to Rome

Simon Johnson
3 Nov 2008


A scan today revealed Ashley Cole will be out for up to 10 days after injuring his calf in Chelsea's 5-0 win over Sunderland.

The left-back is out of tomorrow's Champions League tie with Roma and Sunday's game at Blackburn as a result of a small tear picked up on Saturday.

Fellow England international Wayne Bridge will deputise for Cole but the news is another blow for boss Luiz Felipe Scolari, whose squad has been hit hard by injuries this season.

In Italy tomorrow the spotlight will be on the fans Roma's in particular after violence marred many of the hosts' recent clashes with English teams and Chelsea skipper John Terry has urged the club's fans to be on their best behaviour ahead of the tie.

Terry said: "I want everyone to be careful and sensible. Enjoy the city and the game. Let's all get home safe and with a good result."

A series of security measures have been put in place to ensure that the match isn't overshadowed by any clashes between the two sets of supporters.

Roma's notorious Ultras have been blamed for inciting outbreaks of violence with Middlesbrough and Manchester United fans in recent years and Chelsea are hoping their game isn't marred by similar incidents.

The club has an allocation of 3600 tickets and the travelling support have already been advised that sales of alcohol will be restricted in the Italian capital.

The local police will be out in force and fans can expect to be searched rigorously on arrival to the stadium. They will also be kept in the ground for an hour after the match has finished.

In 2006, three Middlesbrough fans were stabbed while in April 2007, 11 Manchester United supporters ended up in hospital due to incidents before their semi-final first leg.

Last December, seven United supporters were taken to hospital after the two sides met again in the group stages, although their quarter-final in April passed by without incident.

The Champions League Final is being staged in Rome this season, but UEFA's president Michel Platini has already warned that it could be taken away from their stadium if there is any more violence involving Roma's fans.

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