Cole focused only on football - Ancelotti

Chelsea coach Carlo Ancelotti insists England left-back Ashley Cole is mentally prepared to return to first-team action following months of injury and personal turmoil.

The 29-year-old has recovered from the broken ankle he sustained against Everton back in February but his marriage to wife Cheryl remains in trouble following lurid headlines linking him to a string of other women.

Cole is expected to make a playing return against Stoke on Sunday as Chelsea prepare for another massive weekend in the title race, and Ancelotti said: "I think that he is focused, 100%, on playing football. Nothing else."

He added: "I think he passed a bad moment because the injury was very serious. But he has had time to recover very well, not only physically but also with a good mentality. Now he's fit 100%."

Chelsea will be without suspended captain John Terry and injured midfielder John Obi Mikel against Tony Pulis' side.

Ancelotti believes his players are ready to finish the job and become Premier League champions by winning their remaining three games.

"I've always said we have a very good squad, not only technically but with a good mentality," added the Italian.

"Sometimes we've lost some games but I think that now we have all the quality to finish the season well - technically and physically, but also mentally.

"The players are fresh. They don't have a problem. We looked a bit tired against Tottenham, but it was not a physical problem. We've trained very hard this week.

"The players are fit. When I say this, I am objective."