QPR and Chelsea hold talks over John Terry and Anotn Ferdinand pre-match handshake issue

Terry, who remains the subject of a Football Association investigation over the charges - which he denies - had been a doubt for the Premier League clash at Loftus Road but is reportedly winning his battle with an ankle injury sustained on England duty.

Ferdinand is also recovering well after a shoulder injury, meaning the defenders are on course to meet for the first time since the Chelsea captain's race trial in July. The match could also involve Chelsea left-back Ashley Cole - another recovering from injury - following his appearance as a character witness for Terry.

Consequently, there has been speculation as to whether Ferdinand would shake some of his Chelsea counterparts' hands - a tradition that was abandoned in advance of the previous two encounters between the clubs. It is understood QPR are liaising with Chelsea on how to approach Saturday's fixture and plan to make an announcement on the matter before Mark Hughes's pre-match press conference tomorrow afternoon.