Cole faces long operation lay-off

A damaged Achilles could keep Andy Cole out of action for two months.

A damaged Achilles could keep Andy Cole out of action for two months.

The Manchester United striker is expected to undergo an operation on Tuesday.

Cole played in United's crucial Champions league game against Dynamo Kiev, but manager Alex Ferguson says the time is right for the operation.

Ferguson hopes Cole will be ready to return for the culmination of the second phase of the European competition early next year.

The 29-year-old has been troubled by the injury for some time and Ferguson said: "He's been carrying it for so long it's necessary. It's disappointing but it needs to be done."