Terry Out for Six Weeks

A day after defeat to Arsenal, Chelsea's title hopes have taken a further hit with news that their captain, John Terry, will be out of action for six weeks after fracturing three bones in his right foot yesterday.

Terry suffered the injury in a collision with Arsenal's Emmanuel Eboué. He initially attempted to play on before eventually being substituted in the 37th minute of their 1-0 defeat at the Emirates.

"An x-ray taken in the Arsenal medical room straight after John left the field didn't show the injury," said Chelsea doctor Bryan English. "However, as is usual following mid-foot injuries, the fracture was revealed following scans, which were performed this afternoon. John will start his rehabilitation immediately with the Chelsea medical team and we will continue to monitor the injury."

Earlier this season Terry missed four Premier League matches because of a knee injury, and his latest absence comes at a time when Chelsea face a busy Christmas program, beginning with a trip to Blackburn this weekend. Chelsea then host Aston Villa and Newcastle before traveling to neighbors Fulham on New Year's day.

However, Ricard Carvahlo, is has been sidelined since hurting his back during the 1-1 draw with Everton on 11 November, is expected to be back in action for most, if not all of those games. Manager Avram Grant will also be thankful that no defenders are among the four players he will lose to the African Cup of Nations next month.