Chelsea´s Alex out for six weeks

Chelsea defender Alex will be sidelined for at least six weeks after undergoing surgery on a knee injury.

The 28-year-old Brazilian has been hampered by the injury throughout the season and has opted for surgery to rectify the problem.

It is another blow to last season’s Premier League champions, who have not one in their last three league outings.

“He has had his knee cleaned and now needs six to eight weeks to recover,” Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti told reporters on Friday.

On a positive note for Ancelotti’s side, captain John Terry will make his return against Everton on Saturday after overcoming a sciatic nerve problem.

Ancelotti confirmed Terry will fill the void left by Alex at the heart of Chelsea’s defence.

“He trained well this week,” said Ancelotti. “He didn’t have a problem and shows good condition.

“He will start. It’s very important to have John back because he’s our captain, a player with strong personality.”

Alex has made 14 appearances for Chelsea this season, scoring one goal.