Returning John Terry demands more from Chelsea
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Chelsea captain John Terry will return to action against Everton tomorrow as the champions seek to end a run of three league games without a win.
Terry has been out of action for three weeks with a sciatic nerve problem in his right leg but it has responded well to treatment.
The former England captain has consulted with Milan specialist Dr Jean-Pierre Meersseman and another expert in London and is now ready to rejoin Chelsea's fight to retain their Barclays Premier League crown.
Chelsea were top of the table after his last appearance against Fulham but now trail Manchester United by two points.
They have also failed to keep a clean sheet in that time and Carlo Ancelotti's defence has looked decidedly shaky without Terry at its fulcrum.
Midfielder Michael Essien is also back after suspension but Frank Lampard is still not ready after tendon problems.
"By the looks of things we are getting two or three players back," said Terry.
"Hopefully Michael will return at the weekend as will I. I have trained the last couple of days and Frank is not too far away.
"We have dropped too many points recently. Looking back only two or three weeks ago we were so many points clear and in the goal difference as well. Now both gaps have been closed.
"We need to get back to winning ways sooner rather than later. I think we have played well the last couple of games and on another day three or four may have gone in.
"At times you need to work hard and push for your luck. It's not going to be given to you in life and sometimes you need to make your own if it's not happening for you.
"We have been a bit unfortunate with a couple of goals we have let in as well. I think overall defensively, midfield and attack, we've not been as good as we should have been. That's because we set our standards so high and started the season so well."
Terry's return is crucial for the Blues with Brazilian defender Alex out for up to eight weeks following knee surgery.
Although Chelsea are likely to refuse any request, reserve centre-half Jeffrey Bruma says he wants to spend the rest of the season on loan.
"I'm definitely interested in going on loan," said Bruma. "I don't really know what Chelsea want, though.
"I'm not the type of person to step up to the manager Carlo Ancelotti to say that I want to leave.
"That just feels a bit strange. I'd be quite happy with a loan move, though. We'll have to wait and see what happens in the next few weeks."
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments