Cole set for Chelsea recall as Mourinho denies he’s chasing Coentrao

Jose Mourinho has assured Ashley Cole he will return to the Chelsea side in the next week and has rubbished reports he is chasing Fabio Coentrao.

The England defender has not featured since the suprise defeat at Newcastle four weeks ago and his future has been called into question amid claims Real Madrid left-back Coentrao is a January target for the Blues.

However, Mourinho has promised Cole, Juan Mata and others seeking opportunities in the squad, they will get their chance over the busy festive period.

Sunday's clash with Southampton at Stamford Bridge is the first of nine matches for Chelsea in December and Mourinho said: "Now is time for the squad.

"And now is time for everybody to feel that they have a chance, when we play now Sunday, Wednesday, Saturday, Southampton, Sunderland and Stoke. The SSS week, everybody will have a chance.

"Ash will play for sure and will have the chance to show that he's fine."

And Mourinho went on to dismiss reports of a bid for Coentrao as a long-term replacement for Cole.

"I don't want Portuguese players," Mourinho said. "I always had them, but I think in this moment it's enough. Only Hilario is the remaining one and we don't need (others)."