EPL 2016/17: John Terry suffers injury setback ahead of Manchester United clash

Terry sustained his first ankle injury against Swansea City

Long time Chelsea captain and club legend John Terry, has sustained, what is reported to be, a second ankle injury in the span of 6 weeks, which might rule him out of the crucial fixture against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge on Sunday.

A huge loss for Chelsea in the wake of an important upcoming week, Terry will be reassessed this evening, according to The Times and will probably have an outside chance to make his return to the Chelsea fold before the EFL Cup tie against London neighbours West Ham United.

The Blues’ captain last featured for Chelsea on Sept 11 against Swansea City, where he limped off the field after sustaining the first of his two recent ankle injuries.

Conte and Chelsea were boosted by Terry’s return to the bench, in last weekend’s game at the Bridge. Antonio Conte has been without his captain for the majority of the campaign so far, and with the former England captain picking up another ankle injury in training, he is set to miss the game against old foes United.

The Italian manager might continue with the back three system, with Azpilicueta, Luiz and Cahill in defence, which was highly effective in the 3-0 drubbing of champions Leicester City last week.

Terry who signed a new one-year deal at the start of the season, began the first four leagues games under Conte picking up three victories on the bounce. He was absent in the side’s losses to Liverpool and Arsenal which saw them drop off the top of the standings after a rather impressive start to the season.

Chris Smalling injured in last night’s game

Their opponents in the weekend, Manchester United, have suffered an injury setback of their own, as Chris Smalling was replaced at half time by Marcos Rojo with a muscle strain that he picked up in last night’s Europa League game against Fenerbahce.

In the post-match interview with club channel MUTV, Jose Mourinho revealed the details of Smalling’s injury, but didn’t say more, “He had a bad muscular feeling. We were 3-0 up so we decided to change. Hopefully, he can recover for the weekend."

Two tactical managers, with one having managed both clubs, and both looking to establish themselves in their current posts, the game on Sunday between Chelsea and United is bound to have fireworks. Chelsea are two points ahead of United and will be looking to extend their gap with a victory.

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