Ashley Cole benched

Chelsea defender Ashley Cole has been dropped for the Carling Cup final with Tottenham on Sunday due to his emotional state. The left-back is battling to save his marriage to Cheryl Cole.

Blues boss Grant is concerned about Cole’s emotional state and looks likely to start with Wayne Bridge at left-back.

Grant said: “I cannot say that in his difficult days in the beginning I didn’t think about his situation. I took some decisions that were good for Ashley.”