Chelsea captain Terry out of Wigan clash with knee problem

09/02/2013 12:07:00 AM

The centre-back is suffering from inflammation, although it is not believed to be a long-term problem, while Demba Ba has been given the all-clear after breaking his nose

Chelsea captain John Terry will not be available for his side's Premier League clash with Wigan this Saturday due to "inflammation in his knee", manager Rafael Benitez has confirmed.

The former England skipper recently returned to first-team action following a lengthy absence after injuring his knee against Liverpool in November, featuring in two of the Blues’ last three matches.

However, Benitez has revealed that the 32-year-old will not take part against Wigan this weekend after suffering another setback, though the interim boss insists the centre-back is not expected to face another long-term spell on the sidelines.


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"John Terry has inflammation in his knee," Benitez told reporters. "It's not serious but he won't be available for tomorrow."

Demba Ba, meanwhile, has been given the all-clear to play after breaking his nose in the 3-2 loss to Newcastle last weekend.

The striker flew to Germany in midweek to be fitted with a special mask in order to play, but Benitez failed to confirm whether Fernando Torres or the Senegal international would be preferred in the starting line-up.

"He was training yesterday with the mask," Benitez added. "He is fine. We have to make a decision."