Ashley Cole visited by psychologist

Ashley Cole was visited by a psychologist this week after his bosses at Chelsea FC reportedly became concerned over his mental state.

According to The Sun, an expert was flown out to meet Cole in France under the instruction of the club's owner Roman Abramovich.

It is thought that Abramovich had been worried following reports that the footballer appeared miserable and depressed at the sports clinic where he is receiving treatment for a broken ankle.

However, Cole allegedly had a swift change of mood after hearing that he was to be assessed by the psychologist. He is said to have shaved for the first time in days and trimmed his hair to make a good impression.

A source said: "The day the psychologist arrived at the clinic, Ashley was in a completely different frame of mind. He had smartened himself up and was trying to be serious and sensible."

Cole has faced media scrutiny in recent days after being dumped by wife Cheryl over infidelity allegations.

Confirming that a psychologist was sent to visit the sportsman, a Chelsea spokesman said: "It is a very normal procedure. We have a duty of care to all our players and we regularly send members of our medical team to help them get fit, especially those undergoing long-term treatment."