Terry to see specialist in France

Dec 27, 2006, 19:32 GMT

London, England - Chelsea and England national team captain John Terry will reportedly see a specialist in France and to have exploratory surgery on a disc problem in his lower back.

The center defender has missed the defending Premiership champion's last four games in which the team has given up six goals. The injury was at first not thought to be serious, but the procedure in France will determine if further surgery is needed to correct the problem.

If no further surgery is needed, Terry could return in a couple weeks but, if surgery is needed he could miss two months of action.

Terry's injury, coupled with the injury to goalkeeper Petr Cech in October has left the squad considerably weaker on the defensive side of the ball while it is chasing top-team Manchester United in the Premiership table. The duo are considered two of the best at their respective positions in Europe.

One bright note for the club is Cech is back practicing and could play in about a month.

'With Petr Cech it is amazing what they are doing,' Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho said about his club's medical staff. 'We were thinking Cech would be back for February but at the moment we think he will be back for January.'

Chelsea will be back in action Saturday against Fulham.

© 2006 The Sports Network