[WORLD CUP COUNTDOWN] Landon Donovan's meeting with Ashley Cole in Wednesday's Everton-Chelsea may have been his last. Donovan's challenge with Cole resulted in the England left back suffering a fractured ankle that may keep him out of the rest of the Premier League season and jeopardize his chances of playing in the World Cup.

Chelsea confirmed the fracture that will keep Cole out of action for three months. He suffered the injury in the 57th minute when he and Donovan kicked the ball at the same time.

Cole's possible absence from the national team means that Wayne Bridge, whose former partner had an affair with England captain John Terry, will return to the England lineup alongside Terry.

Other candidates at left back: Joleon Lescott (Manchester City), Stephen Warnock (Blackburn) and Leighton Baines (Everton).