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Terry to start for Chelsea, Lampard not available

Frank Lampard has a torn calf © PA Photos

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John Terry will start for Chelsea upon his return to Loftus Road for this weekend's FA Cup fourth round tie with QPR, but the club have confirmed Frank Lampard will be missing after scans revealed a tear to his calf muscle.

Lampard limped off after 36 minutes of Chelsea's 0-0 draw at Norwich, and he will now miss Saturday's clash against QPR, while the following fixture at Swansea is also doubtful. The Blues are scheduled to meet Manchester United on February 5, another game in which Lampard may not feature.

A statement on Chelsea's official website confirmed: "Andre Villas-Boas has ruled two players out of Saturday's FA Cup tie due to injury - Frank Lampard and John Mikel Obi.

"Lampard, who suffered a small tear in a calf muscle at Norwich last weekend, joined the sqad for training today (Friday) and might be fit for Swansea on Tuesday."

Villas-Boas reiterated he would not consider leaving out Terry - after allegations that Anton Ferdinand was the victim of a racist slur from the England captain during October's Premier League game between the sides.

"The player is selected for the game," the Portuguese reiterated. "I have no doubts, we've spoken after the situation, the player has played magnificently well and is important to the team.

"[Gary Cahill] is selected for the team and he should feature at some point of the game."

The manager said he had not felt the need to check on Terry's frame of mind this week. ''No, not at all,'' he said. ''I have to count on the player, and the player is fit and available for the game.''

He also revealed he had no plans to issue special instructions to his players reminding them to stay calm amid what is likely to be a hostile atmosphere. Admitting there were ''extra responsibilities'' to consider, he added: ''I won't speak to the players specifically about that before the game, not at all.''

Supporters from both sides were this week warned about their conduct on Saturday and Villas-Boas predicted there would not be any problems at Loftus Road. He said: ''The environment was outstanding the last time we played there at Loftus Road, so I expect it to be the same.''

Villas-Boas did insist that Ferdinand should shake hands with Terry before the game. Asked if it was important he did so, Villas-Boas said: ''Extremely important, extremely important.''

He added: ''This game is based on good values more than anything else. These players should continue to promote these good values.''

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