Chelsea skipper John Terry to play with mask against Valencia

Written by Zico Kelly

Wednesday, 03 October 2007

Chelsea skipper John Terry might play in his side's Champions League Group game against Valencia on Wednesday night in a moulded face mask. Chelsea are +230 odds to win the game in Spain at online sportsbook SBG Global. Valencia are +115 odds to win, with the draw available at +210 odds.

Medical experts say there is only a "very small risk" to his fractured cheekbone if he sports the protective face mask.The bustling centre back picked up the injury in a clash with Fulham's Clint Dempsey on Saturday. He underwent surgery the following day and initially seemed to have no chance of making the Group B clash match. However, Chelsea´s club doctor but Bryan English has articulated cautious optimism about the Terry´s participation.

Speaking to Chelsea´s TV station: "In sport, if you get a fractured cheekbone behind a certain point you can play on. The chance of getting another blow on the same point is minimal so it is a very small risk."

He continued: "The reason John came off at half-time, after discussion, is that if there was another blow (in the Fulham match) it might make surgery more complex and with Valencia coming up, the decision was taken to take him off.

"He couldn't train on Monday because we had to get a protective mask moulded," Bryan English explained. “The reason for getting it done as soon as possible is so he can be back playing, I don't know when that is going to be, but the mask needs to fit properly or another blow will just knock that piece of bone back. The mask will be taken on the plane with us whether he is going to play or not."

Under-fire manager Avram Grant has received positive news about other possible injury doubts.

Shaun Wright-Phillips and Michael Essien both suffered leg complaints in the Carling Cup win at Hull but are recovering well. England´s Frank Lampard is had been recovering from a troublesome thigh problem but looks well on the road to full health.

English added: "Michael's doing quite well. It was a tear on the outside of a muscle so his recovery will be quicker than Shaun's. Shaun has got a few more days before his fit and ready to go."

Get the latest European Football betting odds at online sportsbook SBG Global.