• Premier League

Terry to miss United clash, will keep Chelsea armband

ESPN staff
February 3, 2012
John Terry will remain as Chelsea captain © Getty Images
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Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed John Terry will be unavailable for Chelsea's Premier League clash against Manchester United on Sunday.

Terry missed the Blues' draw against Swansea in midweek and has failed to shake off a knee injury in time for Sunday's encounter, while the Chelsea boss admitted next weekend's trip to Everton could be too soon for the defender.

However, Villas-Boas confirmed that Terry, who was axed as England captain on Friday, will retain the Chelsea armband.

"John will continue to be selected for Chelsea but he is going to be out of the game," Villas-Boas said. "He will miss Manchester United and he will probably miss Everton as well."

Speaking of the decision to strip Terry of the England captaincy, Villas-Boas said: "It is really an FA decision, I have nothing to say about it. I don't agree with it but you have to ask the FA about it. I think the statement from the FA is pretty clear about their decision making. In my opinion I don't agree with it.

"John will continue to be our captain. [The trial] doesn't compromise on my decision making. It obviously compromised the FA decision making and I am in no place to criticise what they decide."

Meanwhile, Didier Drogba has admitted he could be tempted to stay at Chelsea beyond the end of the season. The striker, currently away on African Nations Cup duty with Ivory Coast, is a free agent at the end of the season, and while he intends to explore his options, Drogba insists he may sign a new deal at Stamford Bridge.

"I am a free agent at the moment, so I can talk to any club unless I sign a new contract with Chelsea," Drobga said. "My doors are still open to Chelsea, no doors are closed. I am just thinking about the African Nations Cup, which I want to win with my team-mates for the Ivorian people."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.
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