Ancelotti hopes for Terry boost to end Chelsea’s blue period
Chelsea dropped down to the second spot in the English Premier League this season, after picking up only one point in a draw against Newcastle on Sunday. Critics and fans alike feel that their main slump in form is partly due to their long list of injuries
to key players, among them captain John Terry.
The English international player has not starred for the Blues since their game against local rivals Fulham on Wednesday 10th of November.
The Blues have not won any of their Premier League matches since their skipper has been sidelined and the Blues rivals, most notably Manchester United and Arsenal have gained much from Chelsea’s turbulent times.
Since the Fulham match, Chelsea have lost in dismal fashion to Tony Pullis’ Sunderland in a game that ended 0-3, and resulted in much praise for the Stoke players.
Ancelotti’s side went on to lose to Birmingham in the next match, although critics argue that it was less of what the Chelsea players did not manage to do, and more of what the goal keeper, Ben Foster, managed to do.
Foster drew much praise for his spectacular performance against the Blues on that day and pundits argue it was one of the best performances a goal keeper could have wished to have.
Chelsea managed to win in a mid-week fixture in the UEFA Champions League against MSK Zilina and have successfully topped their Group F in the European competition, which will see them progress onto the next knockout round of sixteen.
John Terry suffered a nerve injury in his leg following the Fulham match and at first it was unclear to the amount of time the centre back would need in order to make a successful recovery.
He previously admitted to the press that he had been suffering from injury problems and has not been up to his optimum fitness level since the past five years. Terry revealed that he had consulted with four specialists concerning his injury and will be on
the pitch sooner than previously thought.
Blues boss, Carlo Ancelotti made it known that the captain would be back to training at Stamford Bridge as soon as Tuesday. Carlo further stated his desire for the England star to feature in their next Premier League game against Everton on Saturday, the
4th of December.
The Italian boss has been delaying a decision for his other key defender Alex to undergo surgery, in order for him to play in the Newcastle match the Blues drew 1-1 on Sunday.
With the news that John Terry will return soon, Ancelotti may now allow Alex to have surgery on his knee, an injury that the defender has been enduring for a long time. Reports suggest that Alex may go to his native country for the surgery this week.
The decision of the Chelsea manager to delay one of his players’ surgery, highlights the dire shortage of first team players, that the Blues boss has available for selection.
The midfield is missing Frank Lampard, who underwent a hernia operation in early August. His recovery from the operation was halted due to a groin muscle injury he sustained in the beginning of November.
Ancelotti played down reports of Lampard returning as soon as Terry would hope to do by explaining “Frank Lampard we have to wait, he will start to train with us and next week will be important week for him”.
Frank Lampard’s fellow midfielder, Michael Essien had been shown a red card due to a reckless challenge he committed during the Fulham match, and has served a three game suspension. He will now be able to face Everton on Saturday.
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