Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger has admitted that he is surprised by Ashley Cole's lack of starts for Chelsea this season, insisting that he is still capable of playing in the big games.
The England international, who left the Gunners for Chelsea in 2006, has found himself on the bench in recent weeks, with Blues boss Jose Mourinho preferring Cesar Azpilicueta at left-back.
The lack of playing time is not ideal for Cole, who is hoping to start ahead of Leighton Baines at the World Cup next year, although Wenger believes that the 33-year-old can still perform on the biggest stage.
"Yes, it is a surprise to me that Ashley has been left out by Chelsea," said Wenger, according to The Mirror.
"I still see Ashley sometimes in 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."
Arsenal face Chelsea in the Premier League on Monday night.
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