Chelsea captain John Terry could face Valencia in
Wednesday's Champions League clash after having a protective mask
made for his broken cheekbone.
Terry, who underwent surgery on Sunday, will travel with the rest
of the team to Spain for the key encounter.
"The reason for getting it all done as soon as possible is so he
can be back and playing," Chelsea doctor Bryan English told the
club website.
"The mask will be taken with us whether he is going to play or
not."
England skipper Terry, 26, suffered the injury in Saturday's 0-0
draw with Fulham and although the operation was a success, he was
unable to train on Monday.
English added: "I don't know when he is going to be back playing
but the mask needs to fit properly or another blow will just knock
that small piece of bone back."
England manager Steve McClaren said he still hoped Terry would be
fit for the country's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and
Russia later this month.
England play Estonia on 13 October and Russia four days
later.
Chelsea are struggling for form, with the spectre of Jose
Mourinho's exit from the club still hanging over them.
They have not won a Premier League game in their last four attempts
and were held by Rosenborg in their opening Champions League
game.
Striker Didier Drogba returned from injury against Fulham at the
weekend but was then sent off.
Drogba can play against Valencia but his suspension in England's
top flight comes at a time when Chelsea are struggling for goals,
with only two in their last six League games.
Terry was injured in a challenge with Clint Dempsey early in the
game against Fulham and was taken off at half-time, despite wanting
to continue.
Grant said: "He didn't complain about it at half-time and he wanted
to continue but we didn't want to take a risk.
"For me, if it is something with the head, you don't have to take a
risk.
"I didn't see the challenge so well. The players mentioned it and
said it was an elbow."
There were suggestions Dempsey may be punished but it appears that
will not be the case after referee Martin Atkinson did not report
the incident to the Football Association.
