Wenger shocked by Cole axe

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted he is surprised that former Gunners full-back Ashley Cole has lost his place in the Chelsea side

Cole will miss out against his former club on Monday night when Chelsea travel to the Emirates, with Jose Mourinho confirming Cesar Azpilicueta will start at left-back.

England international Cole has found himself out of favour in Mourinho's plans in recent weeks and Wenger admits he is shocked that ex-Arsenal man Cole will miss out against his old club.

"Yes, it is a surprise to me that Ashley has been left out by Chelsea," he said.

"I still see Ashley sometimes in the big games, he can produce great performances still.

I don't know whether he is still England's best left-back - my name is not Roy Hodgson."

Cole, who left Arsenal to join Chelsea in 2006 in one of the Premier League's most controversial transfers, is facing an uncertain future at Stamford Bridge with his contract due to expire at the end of the season.