Joe Cole will miss Chelsea's festive fixtures after a scan revealed a minor stress fracture of the foot.

The England midfielder has been dogged by injury so far this season, with a knee problem keeping him out of regular action for two months.

The 25-year-old's comeback was curtailed when he missed the trip to Manchester United after suffering pain in his foot.

The problem persisted and the Barclays Premiership champions gave Cole a scan which has revealed a stress fracture, which is likely to keep him out until well into January.