Gianfranco Zola can’t wait to have Carlton Cole back in his West Ham United plans.

The England striker has been in great form for the Hammers with seven goals in thirteen Premier League games, but he has been sidelined with injury since the end of November.

However, Cole is on the road to recovery, and his Italian coach hopes to have him back in the starting line up to aid their relegation fight at the end of the month.

“His recovery is vital. He is such an important player, not only in terms of goals and what he gives to the team," said Zola. "It would be a big boost for the other players.

“I look forward to seeing him playing soon with us. They're talking about towards the end of the month. We're not putting pressure on him. We want him to be fit for the whole season.”

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