Sorry Chelsea fans...but you just lost the title

[Paul Marin]

It says on Soccernet that Terry had surgery in France. This means at least a 4-6 week layoff for the center back. My personal take is that this is the beginning of the end of Terry unfortunately, as I have never been one to be optimistic about *any* kind of back surgery. However, he is the type that will play through pain, maybe at the expense of being able to walk later in life. Though that may be extreme - and I don't wish it on him or anyone - I question whether this was a smart move or not.

Either way - further matches without Terry is very bad news for Chelsea. They must now go and buy another big time center back in the January window. Any guess on who that might be? Or will they stay with their current players?

http://soccernet.espn.go.com/news/st...37&cc=5901

[Westman]

RE: Sorry Chelsea fans...but you just lost the title

Your prophecy is very premature. Chelsea still has the best starting 11 and still has the best squad in the EPL. I would not write off either Chelsea or John Terry at this point. Do not mis-read the trash talk from this particular Man U fan. I enjoy watching Chelsea play, and I still believe they can make an incredible stretch run. Unfortunately for them, they do not seem to have the team chemistry to match their roster, and they seem to have dropped the level of their play. However, their talent andtenacity come through whenever they are down. Look at their last six matches to see how they respond when when under pressure or when they are on the downside of the scoreboard. Very entertaining!

[Paul Marin]

RE: Sorry Chelsea fans...but you just lost the title

Westman - I wouldn't write them off either...but without Terry, they are a very shakey team. As for surgery, who knows what the long term prognosis is, but I'd rather have surgery on virtually any other part of my body than the back. I wish him luck, as I don't like to see injury stop a player or a campaign, but his team needs him deperately. We'll see how they do without him.