Ray Wilkins Blames Ashley Cole Injury On Rafa Benitez's Rotation Policy: The Daily EPL

Former Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins says that Rafa Benitez is to blame for Ashley Cole’s injury, which will keep the left back out of action for two weeks.

Here’s what Wilkins said to talkSport during his interview with the radio station:

“[Ashley Cole] never played on Saturday at Southampton on Saturday, he plays 15 minutes against United and Danny Welbeck takes him on a run and he pulls his hamstring.

“I honestly feel he has to play all the time, Ashley. He is one of these machines. You have to keep it well oiled and it will fly. Had he played on Saturday, he wouldn’t have done that [on Monday].”

Wilkins added that “I am sick of the word ‘tired’ in football. We used to play Easter Friday, Saturday and Monday. These players are super-fit and I don’t think you can take liberties in the Premier League. Southampton have beaten Manchester City, they have beaten Liverpool, and they took Manchester United the distance.”

Here are today’s Premier League news headlines:

• Rafael Benítez accused by Ray Wilkins of causing injury to Ashley Cole — The Telegraph
• Chelsea hit by injuries to Ashley Cole and Gary Cahill — UEFA.com
• Phil Jagielka says he is ready to play through the pain barrier to help Everton — Sky Sports
• Former England captain David Beckham says he will never give up hope of a recall — The FA
• Sunderland miners demand return of banner after Paolo Di Canio’s arrival — The Guardian
• Di Canio hasn’t told us anything about his real views – but he’s revealed plenty about ours — Telegraph
• Brian McDermott among contenders for Leeds United — The Independent
• Newcastle defender Ryan Taylor is closing in on a return to first-team action — Sky Sports
• Bringing in Paolo Di Canio will not save Sunderland — Life’s A Pitch
• Chris Samba says he suffered racist abuse on Twitter after QPR defeat by Fulham — The Mail
• Sunderland sponsor silent over Paolo Di Canio appointment — The Independent
• Paolo Di Canio’s backroom team named; Italian backroom staff brought in — Sky Sports

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