Joe Cole Out for Two Weeks

Liverpool have confirmed that Joe Cole will be out of for approximately two weeks following the medical scan results on the hamstring injury he sustained in the 1-0 win over Bolton Wanderers at the weekend, which saw him replaced by David Ngog in the 61st minute.

Cole was assessed by the Melwood medical staff on Monday, the typical 24 hours after the injury was sustained, and the scan results of the scan have indicated that he has suffered a hamstring strain as opposed to a tear.

The results mean that Cole will miss the Anfield visits of Napoli on Thursday and Chelsea at the weekend, missing out on the chance to face his former employers.

Dr Peter Brukner, Head of Sports Medicine and Sports Science at Liverpool FC, said: “The scan confimed Joe has sustained a hamstring strain. It is not a serious injury, but still means he is likely to be out for two weeks.”

The England midfielder has suffered a mixed opening to his Liverpool career. After receiving a red card on opening day to Arsenal, and serving a subsequent suspension, he has only shown small glimpses of the brilliance he can provide during the team's stuttering start to the campaign.

Cole has featured on the left flank in both of Liverpool’s recent back-to-back wins, but Hodgson will now need to turn to Maxi Rodriguez, Milan Jovanovic and the recovering Ryan Babel and Dirk Kuyt as his outlet for some width, although young striker David Ngog also remains an option for inclusion should Hodgson decide to change the formation.

Image Source: Daylife

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