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Zola eyes welcome return
West Ham United, 13:30, January 7, 2010 ,
Gianfranco Zola has revealed that Carlton Cole is making good progress from injury and could be back 'sooner rather than later'.
The England international, who has got seven goals to his name this season, has missed the Hammers' last seven matches having injured a knee in November's win over Burnley.
Some reports had suggested that Cole's injury was worse than first feared, but Zola has denied those claims and West Ham hope to have the striker back in action soon.
The Hammers boss insisted: "He's making good progress. "I don't want to force things, but he'll be back sooner rather than later, it's very encouraging"