Terry set for quick recovery
Terry should be back in training in a few days
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Friday, 23, Feb 2007 10:18
Chelsea captain John Terry could be fit to face Portsmouth next weekend.
Despite initial fears that he would be out for a month with ankle ligament damage, the Premiership champions now hope to have their star defender back in training next week.
Terry turned his ankle eight minutes into Tuesday night's Champions League match against Porto and was stretchered off.
While he will miss Sunday's Carling Cup final against Arsenal, Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho is confident that Terry will be back for the next league game.
Terry has already spent time on the sidelines this season with back and calf problems and his team-mates struggled without him, allowing Manchester United to open up a six-point gap at the top of the Premiership.
Another long lay-off would have once again exposed Chelsea's defensive frailties.
Khalid Boulahrouz is out with a dislocated shoulder, Ashley Cole is recovering from a knee injury and Mourinho appears to have lost faith with compatriot Paolo Ferreira.
Having sold William Gallas and Robert Huth in the summer, the Blues are short of cover, meaning Michael Essien is set to be asked to drop into the back four on Sunday.
Essien is a versatile player and has looked solid when filling in at centre-half on previous occasions, but it means Chelsea lose his energy and bite in midfield.
Meanwhile, Mourinho has once again swatted away speculation that he could leave the club at the end of the season.
There has been intense speculation that the Portuguese coach will quit because he is unhappy about the level of control he has, particularly over transfer policy or that he might even be sacked.
Speaking to reporters this afternoon, Mourinho said he would never quit as Chelsea boss because of his loyalty to the fans.