Joe Cole is looking forward to returning to action after his injury playing for England on Wednesday.

The Chelsea man was a part of the impressive England side that beat Croatia 4-1 in Zagreb, but was withdrawn on 51 minutes with blood pouring from his head after an elbow from Robert Kovac.

He was back in training with the squad on Thursday, and is confident the wound will have healed sufficiently for him to play.

'It isn't too bad and the doctor has looked at it so it should be okay, though obviously it hurt a lot at the time,' he said.

If he is involved, there will be a chance for reunion with former team-mates Shaun Wright-Phillips and Tal Ben-Haim, both summer departures from Stamford Bridge.

'They're both good lads, Shaun I have known for a long time while Tal was only here a year, but I wish them all the best up there and I'm sure they'll be successful,' Cole said. 'Obviously we have to put personal friendships to one side for 90 minutes though and it's important we pick up the win after dropping points at home to Spurs.

'I'm sure we'll get together after the game and have a catch up, but while we're out on the pitch we have a job to do, and this game is different to no other. Shaun has started well scoring twice in his first game and we know what he is capable of.'

It is a match that has attracted plenty of attention, after City's recent takeover and acquisition of Robinho from Real Madrid, when the Brazilian looked to be on his way to the Bridge.

'I don't really know what went on there, it's none of my business really, but he is a top player and if he plays then we'll have to be on top form to keep him quiet. I watched a lot of him at Real Madrid and have seen the way he has progressed after three years there. But, nothing has changed and we have plenty of players for them to worry about too,' the winger explained.

'There will be plenty of attention on them now, and it will be interesting to see who they bring in and how they deal with the pressure that comes with it,' Cole added.