By Dan Levene
Ashley Cole will have to fight to regain his Chelsea place, with an out-of-position reserve right back presently ahead of the England defender.
Cole, benched by Blues boss Jose Mourinho for last weekend's 2-2 draw with West Brom at Stamford Bridge, is presently training with the national squad ahead of tomorrow night's Wembley friendly against Chile.
But after a poor run of form, Mourinho says the defender has much to do to get back in the reckoning for a Chelsea starting berth.
"I can make mistakes, I can be unfair, for sure I am and for sure I do that, but I always give a lot of thought to my decisions," said Mourinho when quizzed about the omission of Cole.
"I decided for Azpi (Cesar Azpilicueta) to play (at left back) against Schalke, and he was fantastic. (Against West Brom) he was very good again.
"So I think Ashley is a top professional, the fighter he is, he has to work hard to fight hard because the place is his place."
With that likely set-back in mind for the 105-times capped 32-year old, Mourinho was keen to point out that the issue was only a temporary form-related matter, and that Cole remains a part of his long-term plans.
"Of course (left back) is not Azpilicueta's best position, it is not a where Ashley can think he is in trouble now," said the Blues boss. "He has to just fight and the position is there waiting for him, it is not a problem."
