Ashley Cole received a World Cup boost as Arsenal closed in on fourth spot.

The 25-year-old left-back played a full match in the 3-1 defeat of Manchester City after recovering from a broken foot.

"The positives are he's not injured and Ashley got better and better during the game," said Gunners boss Arsene Wenger. "We are at the beginning of May and the competition (World Cup) begins on June 10th. In five weeks you should see a perfect Ashley Cole."

Wenger is still debating whether to include Cole in the crucial match against Wigan on Sunday, where they must get a better result than Tottenham to overtake their arch-rivals and claim fourth place and Champions League qualification.

He added: "Ashley was very tired at the end of the game and I'll have to see what his recovery is like. Then I will see what we will do."