GIANFRANCO ZOLA has admitted Carlton Cole’s return to the fold is ‘vital’ after Guillermo Franco picked up a muscle injury in training.

The Mexican is likely to be missing for at least the next two games at Aston Villa and Portsmouth, leaving Alessandro Diamanti, Frank Nouble and young Freddie Sears to fill the void in the meantime.

The injuries are beginning to pile up, and Zola knows Cole’s recovery from a knee injury is crucial to his side’s survival chances.

“His recovery is vital,” said the Italian. “He is such an important player, not only in terms of goals and what he gives to the team, but it would be a big boost for the others. I look forward to seeing him playing soon with us.

“They’re talking about towards the end of the month but we’ll see. We’re not putting pressure on him. We want him, when he comes back, to be fit for the whole season and for the World Cup, hopefully.”