Chelsea Football Club News

• Nickname:Blues
• Founded:1905
• Manager:Roberto Di Matteo

• Ground:Stamford Bridge
• Capacity:42,440

Terry troubles for Jose

27 Dec 2006 - 07:54:50

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Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho claims he is in the dark over the extent of John Terry's back problem, but believes injuries to key personnel are behind the Blues' recent troubles in the Premiership.

Mourinho's side slipped four points behind leaders Manchester United following their 2-2 draw with Reading on Boxing Day.

First-choice goalkeepers Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini remain sidelined, but the absence of both Terry for a fourth game in a row after suffering back spasms and fractured foot victim Joe Cole for the visit of the Royals was a major blow.

Both could require surgery, but Mourinho insists he still doesn't know the extent of the injury problems affecting the duo.

"I don't know when John Terry will be coming back into the side. No-one from the medical team has told me if he is having surgery (for his injured back) or any other medical treatment," he said.

"It's the same for Joe Cole. Our big problem is that we have lost more than one crucial player. To lose Petr Cech is not so bad, but to lose John Terry as well, it's a difficult situation to solve.

"We sold William Gallas and Robert Huth in the summer and we do not have enough cover.

"We have let in goals in our last three games but we are surviving. It's still only four points between us and Manchester United.

"I cannot say if I will buy a centre-back in the January transfer window. My medical department have to make a decision soon in regards to Terry and Cole.

"I want them to make a quick decision. But we have two good left and right-backs and Ricardo Carvalho is brilliant in defence. Paulo Ferreira is not a central defender and we are having problems in the defensive area.

"I'm not frustrated with my medical team, the work they did on Petr is amazing, but with Terry and Cole they are doubtful situations and I don't like not having them on the pitch.

"It's not a difficult time for me it's just difficult not having the players on the pitch so I can make changes and rotate. But we will survive."