John Terry out for "weeks not months"

Chelsea captain John Terry has suffered "no significant damage" to his right knee after being injured in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on Sunday .

The 31-year-old is expected to be out for "weeks rather than months," the club added.

He had a scan on suspected ligament damage on Monday amid fears he faced a lengthy spell out of action.

Terry scored on his return from a four-match ban but was carried off after an accidental collision with Luis Suarez.

Terry's goal came in the 20th minute but a collision with the Liverpool striker on 39 minutes forced him to be carried off on a stretcher. He later left Stamford Bridge on crutches with his right knee in a brace.

"Today's MRI scans on John Terry's right knee thankfully show no significant damage to the cruciate ligaments," read a Chelsea statement.

"Chelsea Football Club's medical team will conduct further tests over the next two or three days once the swelling has subsided to determine how long John will be out, but it will be a matter of weeks not months."

With David Luiz out of action with tonsilitis, Gary Cahill and Branislav Ivanovic are the Blues' only fit centre-backs.

Following his decision not to contest a ban for racially abusing QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during a match in October 2011, Terry was suspended for league matches against Tottenham, Manchester United and Swansea, as well as a League Cup fourth-round tie against Manchester United.

-->

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo also opted not to use the former England skipper in the Champions League win over Shaktar Donetsk once he had served that punishment.

The Blues conceded 12 goals in those five games, compared to four in Terry's last five appearances for the club.

Chelsea play Manchester City and local rivals Fulham in the league and Juventus in the Champions League before they meet Southampton at Stamford Bridge on 15 December.

Goalkeeper Petr Cech has worn the captain's armband in Terry's absence and believes that the defender's lay-off will give other players in the squad a chance to shine.

"He knows what it takes to come back in good shape and as soon as possible. He always heals well," said Cech.

"We managed to play games without him and we have players who will have a chance to impress.

"Obviously, it's a pity we will lose him again but we have a large squad and quality defenders to deal with that."

Source: BBC