Andy Cole has been ruled out for the remainder of the season after the Manchester City striker was forced to undergo a second operation on a knee injury which has kept him out for seven matches already.

The former England striker initially underwent an operation last month but still experienced some pain, and yesterday had further surgery to clear up some "debris".

Cole (34) will now miss City's remaining eight games, starting with Saturday's trip to Chelsea, when manager Stuart Pearce will be without another nine senior players.

Full-back Stephen Jordan has also been sidelined for the remainder of the campaign after suffering an ankle injury in Monday's FA Cup defeat to West Ham.

Joey Barton and Trevor Sinclair are both out with knee injuries which will keep them out for a fortnight, Antoine Sibierski (ankle) and Albert Riera (thigh) are also sidelined, as is Claudio Reyna (shoulder).

Nedum Onuoha has long since been ruled out for the season with a knee injury, while striker Georgios Samaras is facing a two-week break after suffering an ankle injury against Wigan last weekend.

In addition, Sun Jihai also sits out the Stamford Bridge trip as he starts a four-match ban following his sending off against the Hammers.

"I only have 13 senior players available for Saturday, so I will have to juggle things about and bring a few youngsters in," said Pearce.

"I don't look at the situation with disappointment, I see it as an opportunity for players to prove themselves. And, after the defeat on Monday, we couldn't wish for a better test than going to play the champions." PA