Massive Injury Blow Ahead of Crucial Matches: Key Player Out for Next Two Matches

Chelsea interim manager Guus Hiddink will have to deal with a huge blow ahead of the Champions League match at Paris Saint-Germain on Tuesday after his first-choice defender was ruled out with a minor ligament and hamstring issue sustained in Saturday’s win over Newcastle United.

Medical reports have revealed that the England international damaged the tendon in his right leg in a collision with Aleksandar Mitrovic during the first half and was substituted before half-time. Left-back Baba Rahman replaced the 35-year-old, with Brabislav Ivanovic moving across to partner with GARY Cahill in central defense and Cesa Azpilicueta switching to right-back for the remainder of the match against Magpies at Stamford Bridge.

Speaking ahead of their Tuesday evening Champions League match away to PSG, Hiddink refused to reveal that he would replace Terry, but insisted he had full confidence in his squad travelling to French capital.

“We had the problem in the previous game against Newcastle and we have practiced, not because one player got an injury, but we do a lot of practicing where we put other people in central defense,” Hiddink said.

“So it was not a surprise for the players that we had to make some changes. Of course, not having John is a bit of a set-back, as a leader.

“But I am not the type of coach or manager who starts moaning, moaning and moaning. We have to go on and the players who will replace him, I have full confidence in them.”

John Terry has been a major asset for the Blues in all the fixtures that his side has met with the Ligue 1 leaders.

Hiddink added: “It was not a decision made by me because he was having too much trouble to travel, even to try tomorrow [Tuesday].

“We made a test this morning and it didn’t work out well. The decision was made to leave him at home. He was convinced he could not be of worth for the team at the moment.

“He has a little problem with his hamstring and on a little tendon in his hamstring area. That’s why we made an ultimate test this morning and we decided not to participate.”

When asked if the defender will be available for Chelsea’s FA Cup fifth-round against Manchester City on Sunday, Hiddink said: “Difficult, difficult. That’s why we prefer to have him at Cobham in the training center for daily treatment and see how is development will be for the weekend.”
Terry’s future at the west London club is still questionable after the club reportedly refused to open talks about his contract extension.