John Terry set to miss Chelsea’s clash with Manchester United
Club captain John Terry has reportedly suffered another injury blow as Chelsea prepare to take on Manchester United this Sunday.
Jose Mourinho returns to Stamford Bridge for the first time since his dismissal when Manchester United visit on Sunday. Chelsea have been dealt a blow in their preparations, with John Terry suffering another injury to his ankle.
According to an exclusive report in The Times (subscription required), the defender did not train on Thursday and he is all but certain to miss the highly anticipated clash.
"John Terry has suffered another ankle injury that is expected to keep him out of Chelsea’s Premier League match against Manchester United on Sunday…Terry will be assessed today by Chelsea’s medical staff, but even if he is fit to train it is unlikely that he will be risked after picking up two separate ankle injuries in the space of six weeks."
More from The Pride of London
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea player ratings: Abysmal, reckless, wasteful
- Bournemouth 0-0 Chelsea: 3 Blues talking points
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
The Chelsea captain initially suffered an injury during the club’s 2-2 draw with Swansea City. He rolled his ankle in the dying minutes and was in evident pain. Terry was expected to be fit in time for the Arsenal clash, but he instead ended up missing four games.
The international break provided him with sufficient time to recover and the defender returned to the matchday squad against Leicester City.
Terry did not feature during the contest, as Antonio Conte opted for the back three of Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Marcos Alonso that impressed against Hull City.
More from Chelsea FC News
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 1 Blue Mauricio Pochettino should drop
- Bournemouth vs Chelsea: 3 Blues who must start
- Predicted Chelsea lineup vs Bournemouth: Palmer starts in 4-2-3-1
- Chelsea sporting directors finally reveal why they sign so many young players
- These 3 new signings may never get a game at Chelsea
Hence, Terry’s absence may not be as significant as first thought. Conte, through his team selection, suggested that the veteran is not in his strongest defensive set-up. With a need to build for the future, there is nothing wrong with that.
However, given the magnitude of the clash, Terry may have very well been selected. The occasion demands some experienced and cool heads. While Cahill certainly has the years under his belt, the unique leadership shown by Terry could be a deciding factor.
In the new formation and against an attack that has the potential to destroy, players like Terry are required to hold things together. Unfortunately, it seems that Conte will not have the luxury to consider his inclusion.
What do you think of this news? Does it matter that much? Let us know in the comments below!