Chelsea want fast decision on back surgery for captain

John Terry will fly to France tomorrow to undergo an examination on his back problem which could result in surgery on the spot. The England captain has been pencilled in to receive specialist treatment at a Bordeaux clinic early in the new year. Terry has been out for a fortnight and Chelsea's medical staff are divided as to the best way to get him back on the field. It is hoped an operation to "shave a disc" will restore him to fitness within three further weeks. The alternative is rest and remedial work.

Chelsea clearly miss their commanding centre-half, having conceded six goals in three matches without him. Yesterday they started with a right-back, Paulo Ferreira, at centre-half and finished with a midfielder, Michael Essien, there.

Jose Mourinho, Chelsea's manager, said: "I have no idea when John will be back, it could be days or weeks. The medical department keep saying the answer may be surgery... They have to make a quick decision. We do not have any more central defenders in the squad. Having lost [William] Gallas and [Robert] Huth in the summer, we do not have enough cover."

Mourinho ruled out buying another defender in next month's transfer window but, for a club with Chelsea's purchasing power, such an option can never be discounted. It is one reason why Mourinho wants the medical department to act quickly. If Terry is operated on, and the problem is not solved, he will still have time to enter the market.