Arsenal defender Ashley Cole faces up to three more weeks on the sidelines after picking up an ankle injury on his latest return to action.

The England left-back limped out of Arsenal’s reserve team clash with Tottenham on Monday night after just seven minutes.

Cole has played just over one hour of competitive football since October as he has suffered a fractured right foot as well as thigh injuries.

Cole sustained a thigh injury in January on his return from a three-month spell on the sidelines after breaking a bone in his foot.

Gunners keeper Manuel Almunia, told The Sun: “I am not sure exactly what happened or what the future holds.

“Ashley is a very important player for the club but he went over on his ankle and it doesn’t look good.”

A Highbury spokesman added: “He seems to have sprained his left ankle.

“It is not a recurrence of the old injury. But there is no telling at this stage as to how long he will be out for.”

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