Source: Daily_Mail
Chelsea boost as Carlo Ancelotti reveals John Terry and Frank Lampard could be available next week
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti hopes to have key duo John Terry and Frank Lampard back in action next week to kick-start the champions' faltering title hopes.[LNB]Terry has missed the last three games with a nerve problem in his leg, while Lampard has been a long-term absentee with a groin injury.[LNB]However, Ancelotti revealed after this afternoon's 1-1 draw at Newcastle that both are expected to resume training this week, and Terry in particular could be available for next weekend's clash with Everton.[LNB] Welcome return: John Terry and Frank Lampard are desperately needed to get Chelsea's title tilt back on track[LNB]He said: 'Next week for him [Terry] and Lampard will be an important week. They will start to train with the team. We have a week to control their condition and I hope both, maybe more John Terry than Lampard, will be able to play against Everton.[LNB]'They are very important players, not just technically, but because they have personality and character, and at the moment, we need to have that kind of player at our disposal.'[LNB]The news will come as a boost to the Blues, who left Tyneside having seen their recent league run extended to just one win in five attempts, a return which leaves them in second place.[LNB]To compound their disappointment, the plane on which they were due to fly back to London was stranded in Aberdeen by bad weather, meaning a long coach journey home.[LNB] Rescue act: Salomon Kalou earned a point for Chelsea at St James' Park[LNB]Newcastle, who had taken just a single point from their previous three games, could hardly have got off to a better start when striker Andy Carroll capitalised on a dreadful backpass by Brazilian defender Alex to put them into a sixth-minute lead.[LNB]It was his ninth league goal of the season in his 15th appearance, and it looked like sending his side in at the break ahead until Salomon Kalou's stoppage-time intervention.[LNB]The Ivory Coast international cut in from the left and fired a right-foot shot into the bottom corner with the help of a deflection off defender Steven Taylor.[LNB]Snow joke: Carlo Ancelotti has been feeling the heat in recent weeks[LNB]However, in a frantic conclusion to the game, Kalou was guilty of a glaring miss 10 minutes from time when he shot into the side-netting with the goal at his mercy.[LNB]Ancelotti, who adopted a 4-4-2 formation in an attempt to limit the supply lines to Carroll, is hoping losing top spot will give his players a fresh incentive.[LNB]He said: 'It is important. At the moment, it is not so easy and it is an opportunity to show our character and our personality and it will be a good motivation to do better.[LNB]'We created a lot of chances but needed to convert more to win this game. The reason for this result is the same - at the moment we are unable to convert our chances.'[LNB]Opposite number Chris Hughton was delighted with what he felt was a deserved point, and another imposing display by Carroll.[LNB]He said: 'Andy doesn't play with fear. He's not fearful of any opposition or any individual - that's how he is at the moment.[LNB]'When you are in a confident mood and you are scoring goals, that's how it should be. You should look forward to every game. You should think every game is an opportunity to play well and score.'[LNB]Chelsea had earlier dismissed reports that Pep Guardiola was being lined up for Ancelotti's job as 'total nonsense', and the Italian insisted after the game that it was news to him.[LNB]Meanwhile, Alex is expected to return to Brazil for knee surgery this week after delaying the operation in Terry's absence.[LNB]Ancelotti said: 'He will have the operation this week. He will go to Brazil for the surgery, maybe tomorrow.'[LNB] Newcastle 1 Chelsea 1: Kalou makes up for blunder but champs still shortPREMIER LEAGUE LIVE: Newcastle 1 Chelsea 1 - the action from St James' Park as it happenedCarlo in crisis: Abramovich eyes Barca coach Guardiola as Arnesen walks out[LNB] Explore more:People: Chris Hughton, John Terry, Andy Carroll, Steven Taylor, Frank Lampard, Carlo Ancelotti Places: Newcastle, Aberdeen, London, Brazil
