Cole omitted from Arsenal squad

Arsenal defender Ashley Cole has been omitted from the Gunners' squad for the Premiership opener against Aston Villa despite saying he is available to play.

The 25-year-old has repeatedly been linked with a move to Chelsea, but no deal has been concluded.

Cole said on www.stellargroup.co.uk that he was available for Saturday's game at the Emirates Stadium.

He added: "I maintain I have no problem with the fans and the manager. They've been very supportive of me."

Gunners boss Arsene Wenger previously hinted at leaving Cole out because of the speculation about a possible £20m transfer to Chelsea.

Wenger said he would be happy to keep Cole at Arsenal should the player choose to stay. "If he doesn't go, of course he's a great player," Wenger told Arsenal TV Online.

"He has permission to go somewhere if he wants to do it, but if there is not an opportunity for him and the club, he will stay at the club."

Cole has been at odds with Arsenal since June 2005 when he was fined for meeting with Chelsea representatives, that included Blues boss Jose Mourinho, without his club's knowledge.

In the aftermath Cole blamed Arsenal vice-chairman David Dein for his contract dispute and in June 2005 told the News of the World newspaper: "I blame David Dein for trying to force me out of the club I love."

And in promotional material for his new book this summer the defender criticised the club for making him a "scapegoat" over the tapping-up affair.

He said on www.stellargroup.co.uk: "I hope the fans understand where my grievances lie."

Last week, Wenger, like his Chelsea counterpart Jose Mourinho, said he wanted the saga resolved within the week.

Cole played in last season's Champions League final and was an ever-present at the World Cup for his country.

From : BBC