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Injured Terry misses Club World Cup

John Terry punches the air after scoring against Liverpool © PA Photos

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John Terry has not recovered from his knee ligament injury in time to play for Chelsea at the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan.

Terry, 31, suffered the injury in a collision with Liverpool striker Luis Suarez during the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge last month.

Interim Blues manager Rafael Benitez confirmed in his press conference ahead of Saturday's Premier League trip to Sunderland that his club captain is yet resume full training and will not make the trip to the Far East.

"We've been talking with the doctor. The inflammation during the flight will not be the best thing for him so he will not travel,'' Benitez said.

"He wanted to go and to help, but it's better that he stays here. We don't know when he will play. We have to wait and see how he reacts."

Medical staff assessed the former England international on Thursday and - with Chelsea due to fly to Japan almost immediately after the game at the Stadium of Light - it was decided not to take Terry in order to aid his recovery.

Chelsea's first match of the tournament will be a semi-final against either Ulsan Hyundai of South Korea or Monterrey of Mexico in Yokohama, and will then contest either the final or the third-place play-off in the same city three days later.

Frank Lampard has been recovering from a calf problem and is in the squad for the weekend trip to Wearside as Benitez chases his first Premier league win with the Londoners. Speaking after the 3-1 defeat at West Ham last weekend, the manager lambasted his players for a lack of character and said he wanted to see Terry and Lampard back.

He said: "Normally I wouldn't play them if it was not necessary, but a lot of players can play with problems. It depends on the risk. But character and leadership are necessary in a team."

© ESPN Sports Media Ltd.