English Premiership
Terry boost for Chelsea
2012-03-22 21:15
London - Chelsea captain John Terry has handed his side a major boost ahead of Saturday's crucial clash against Tottenham as the England defender returned to training on Thursday.
Terry has missed Chelsea's last two matches, including Wednesday's 2-1 defeat at Manchester City, with calf cramps and had not been able to train properly since before last week's Champions League win over Napoli.
That loss to City has left fifth-placed Chelsea five points adrift of Tottenham, who currently occupy the fourth and final Champions League place in the Premier League table.
In the circumstances, Blues interim boss Roberto Di Matteo knows it would be a significant factor if Terry is available for Tottenham's visit to Stamford Bridge.
And the 31-year-old looks set to feature in the London derby after coming through a training session on Thursday.
Although Terry is now expected to figure against Spurs, Chelsea are still waiting on news regarding the thigh injury picked up by Serbian defender Branislav Ivanovic at Eastlands.
Meanwhile, Terry's fellow defender Gary Cahill, who scored in the City defeat, remains convinced Chelsea can pile on the problems for Spurs this weekend.
Spurs have dropped out of the top three after failing to win any of their last four matches and another slip would leave them facing a battle to qualify for the Champions League.
"Arsenal are having decent form and Spurs have been hit the last few games," Cahill said.
"It is hard to keep that momentum going throughout the season. Spurs have been absolutely fantastic but it is tough to keep it going every single game week in, week out.
"You'll always have a blip in the season and maybe theirs has come now.
"We're at home, where we have some confidence now, and we are looking to get the positive result we need."