• World Cup qualifying

Terry out of Ukraine qualifier due to injury

ESPN staff
September 9, 2012
John Terry hurt his ankle against Moldova © PA Photos
Enlarge

England defender John Terry has been ruled out of Tuesday's World Cup qualifier against Ukraine due to an ankle problem.

Terry suffered the injury during Friday night's 5-0 win in Moldova and England finished the game with ten men after the Chelsea defender limped off in the closing stages.

He received treatment on Saturday and England remained hopeful he could take his place in the heart of the defence at Wembley, but the Chelsea centre-back has lost his fitness race.

Blues team-mate Gary Cahill is likely to step up to make his first appearance at Wembley since he suffered a broken jaw against Belgium, which ruled him out of Euro 2012. The other player in contention to partner Joleon Lescott is his former colleague at Everton, Phil Jagielka, and midfielder James Milner insists Terry's absence will not be a major problem.

"He's a top player and he performed well the other night," Milner said of Terry's absence. "But we're fortunate enough to have a number of options... Jags, Gaz Cahill or a number of others.

"It's good for somebody else to get a chance. It won't weaken the team in any way. JT is a top player but we've got a number of top candidates to step in and it shouldn't be a problem."

Left-back Ashley Cole had already been ruled out with the ankle injury that prevented him from playing in Chisinau. Leighton Baines proved a capable deputy against Moldova, scoring England's final goal, and he should line up once again in the back four.

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
Close

ABOUT COOKIES

To help make this website better, to improve and personalize your experience and for advertising purposes, are you happy to accept cookies and other technologies.

More Info Here Cookie Choices