Chelsea Set For Major Injury Boost Ahead Of Atletico Madrid Clash

John Terry is set to hand Jose Mourinho a major fitness boost ahead of Chelsea’s Champions League semi final second leg against Atletico Madrid next week, according to the Mirror.

The Blues skipper was forced during the final stages of Tuesday’s 0-0 first leg draw in Spain after suffering two minor knocks. First, goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer landed on the top of Terry’s foot when coming to claim a cross before the centre-back then rolled his ankle after landing awkwardly following a collision with David Luiz in the penalty area.

Mourinho claimed immediately after the game that his captain wouldn’t play again this season unless “we get to the final” and the player was seen to be heavily limping as he made his way through the departure lounge at the airport en route back to West London after the game.

It was initially feared that the damage to Terry’s ankle ligaments would mean he’ll miss the remainder of the season. However, it looks like Chelsea will be handed a major boost with the Mirror claiming their skipper is now on course to be fit to feature in Wednesday’s crucial second leg at Stamford Bridge.

Terry was walking freely around Cobham on Thursday after the injury began healing far quicker than expected following intense treatment, and with the 33-year-old is due to have further therapy over the coming days, he is understood to be confident he’ll be ready to face Madrid.

The news will come as a major boost ahead of what’s going to be a crucial night at the Bridge where Chelsea will be looking to book their place in the final next month. With Terry fit, Mourinho should have his first choice defence available with Branislav Ivanovic returning from suspension.

Terry won’t have any chance of playing against Liverpool at Anfield this weekend but he may not have played even if fit as Mourinho is expected to name a weakened side in order to have his key players fully rested for Wednesday.