TERRY OP 'SUCCESSFUL', SAY CHELSEA

[Scaly Spurs]

<SPAN class=heading>TERRY OP 'SUCCESSFUL', SAY CHELSEA</SPAN>

<SPAN class=italic>By Jim van Wijk, PA Sport</SPAN>

<TABLE class=storylist_mainbg cellSpacing=1 cellPadding=0 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=storylist_mainbg></TD><TD class=storylist_mainbg>More Chelsea Stories </TD></TR><TR><TD class=storylist_story align=middle width="8%"></TD><TD class=storylist_story>CHELSEA LINE UP RICHARDS </TD></TR><TR><TD class=storylist_story align=middle width="8%"></TD><TD class=storylist_story>JOSE PONDERS DROGBA SWITCH </TD></TR><TR><TD class=storylist_story align=middle width="8%"></TD><TD class=storylist_story>FOUR-SIGHT KEEPS JOSE CONFIDENT </TD></TR><TR><TD class=storylist_story align=middle width="8%"></TD><TD class=storylist_story>MOURINHO UNFAZED BY UNITED LEAD </TD></TR><TR><TD class=storylist_story align=middle width="8%"></TD><TD class=storylist_story>TERRY SEEKS SPECIALIST TREATMENT </TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE><SPAN id=intelliTXT>

Chelsea and England captain John Terry has undergone surgery on his back injury.

The 26-year-old has not featured in the Blues' last three Barclays Premiership matches, in which they have conceded six goals and fallen four points leaders Manchester United.

A club statement read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that today club captain John Terry underwent successful surgery following his back injury.

"The operation took place in France following consultation between the Chelsea medical department and a leading neurosurgical specialist.

"The operation to remove a sequestrated lumbar intervertebral disc was successful and everyone at the club wishes John a speedy and full recovery."



It is unclear how much time the Chelsea skipper will need to recover from the operation, but it is understood it should be weeks rather than months of rehabilitation.



That would be welcome news for manager Jose Mourinho, who has made no secret of his desire to get the England defender back in action as soon as possible. It also remains to be seen if the defender will be fit to lead his country in their first international of 2007, against Spain at Old Trafford on February 7.



In the continued absence of their inspirational centre-half and goalkeeper Petr Cech, the Blues have looked somewhat shaky in defence. Chelsea have now let in 15 goals - only seven fewer than they did over the whole of the last Premiership season.



Having sold both William Gallas and Robert Huth, Mourinho admits the continued absence of the England captain has left him short of options in the heart of the defence.



The Chelsea manager has even considered asking 19-goal striker Didier Drogba to

[Scaly Spurs]

RE: TERRY OP 'SUCCESSFUL', SAY CHELSEA

Memeba sey me did tell unhuh sey Micah Richards would last long at Man City...Jose is writing a check for 18,000,000.00. If Chel$ki dont get him some else will.

[Tilla]

RE: TERRY OP 'SUCCESSFUL', SAY CHELSEA

The 28-year-old said: "I do not like to play at centre-back - but I do it for the team because sometimes we have difficult moments in the game."

Reading this statement by Drogba, I was just thinking, what if Nandi Lowe had this tea spirit? But you know suppen, Lowe could fill that role well if he just decided to commit himself to playing defense. Many felt his defensive talent was better than his striker talent anyway. At least Simoes felt that way and wanted to use him there.

Anyway, good to hear Terry's operation was successful. (tup)(Clap)

[Tilla]

RE: TERRY OP 'SUCCESSFUL', SAY CHELSEA

I am wondering if Jose will recall Glen Johnson back from loan to do some defensive duties for Chelsea. Glen is still a pretty young (22)and talnted player and could rise to tthe occasion now that the club needs him.

[Paul Marin]

RE: TERRY OP 'SUCCESSFUL', SAY CHELSEA

TIlla - even if it was unsuccessful, dem woulda seh it was successful. That is how dem man do tings. We'll have to wait to see what the truth is. (waitin)