The injured Ashley Cole could be set for a showdown with Chelsea over the English club's attempt to take disciplinary action against him over allegations about his extramarital relationships during Chelsea's summer tour of the United States.

The England left back is said to be so furious that he is being singled out -- no action was taken by Chelsea against captain John Terry for an alleged affair with the former partner of Wayne Bridge that cost him his England armband -- that he might seek to leave the club at the end of the season.

Chelsea chief executive Ron Gourlay had warned the Blues last week – at the request of the owner Roman Abramovich – that further controversy tarnishing the club's reputation would lead to severe disciplinary action. Cole's alleged indiscretions were subsequently appeared in Sunday's newspapers. His punishment is expected to be a hefty file.