Winger ready to play through pain

Joe Cole is adamant he will win his fitness battle and could play through the pain barrier for Chelsea against Arsenal on Sunday.

Cole, who has been hit by injury problems all season, limped off against Bordeaux on Wednesday with an ankle knock, but has vowed he will be fit to play this weekend.

Blues boss Luiz Felipe Scolari said: "Joe's reaction when I talked to him yesterday was very good. He said: 'Mister, forget me. I am ready.' Ok, very well. Maybe he'll feel something but, in his mind, he wants to play. He will put up with some pain."

Chelsea are already without Michael Essien, Richardo Carvalho and Juliano Belletti through injury.