In the first full weekend of pre-season, two top Premiership sides suffered significant injury scares.

In Arsenal’s 2-0 victory over north London rivals Barnet, Jason Puncheon’s late tackle on Denilson led to the 19-year-old being stretched off with what appeared to be a serious knee injury.  However, scans revealed that Denilson should be able to return to training in “a few days”.

Chelsea’s 2-1 win over Mexican outfit Club America was notable for the absence of not just Ashley Cole but also Wayne Bridge, who will miss up to three months with a fractured pelvis.  It’s a good job Chelsea moved to sign Tal Ben Haim as back-up - in Cole and Bridge they have two players about as likely to get injured as a man running over a black cat which is standing under a ladder.

There was better news for fans of West Ham, who witnessed the return of Dean Ashton after twelve months out with a broken ankle.  The powerful forward played 45 minutes of the friendly victory over Dagenham & Redbridge, and admitted after the game that he had doubted whether this moment would ever come:

“There were times when I thought I might not get back, so I’m really going to enjoy this season.  It was an absolute joy to be out there playing, it has been a long, tough year and I’m glad to be back.”

He’s not alone in his fears - a broken ankle can be an absolutely devastating injury.  Still, the return of Abou Diaby from this horrific blow should give Ashton hope as he takes his latest step on the comeback trail.  Next stop, England?