Terry to miss Chelsea’s Club World Cup bid

John Terry after suffering his injury. Photo: PA

By Harry Kemble Friday, December 7, 2012
2:22 PM

Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez announced today that John Terry will miss his side’s match against Sunderland tomorrow and the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan next week through injury.

The Chelsea captain, 32 today, sustained ligament damage in a 1-1 draw against Liverpool last month but was expected to be back fit after four weeks out.

However he has been advised not to travel to Japan and Benitez said: “He wanted to go and wanted to help but it is better he stays.

“The first conversation I had with him about this he was excited as it’s a great competition.

“After talking with the doctor we decided it was best he stayed here for his health.

The former England skipper was thought to be available for selection for Saturday’s fixture against Sunderland ahead of the 12-hour flight to Japan for the FIFA competition which begins on Thursday, but now he’ll miss both.

The Spaniard believes it is important to be cautious with Terry because the knee problem is a “special case”.

“He’s training hard with the physios,” said the former Liverpool manager.

“The knee is a special case. We have to wait and see what happens. He knows that we have to do it. He is receiving treatment. He knows the processes.”