Terry to miss Club World Cup

Chelsea captain John Terry has been ruled out of the FIFA Club World Cup in Japan due to a knee injury.

Terry has been sidelined since November 11 after damaging knee ligaments in the 1-1 draw with Liverpool.

The 31-year-old was expected to return to action earlier this month but has instead been given further time to recover.

“Terry will not fly to Japan because the doctor has warned of an inflammation and said that flying is not the best idea,” Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez said.

“The first conversation I had with him, he was quite excited because it’s a new competition and a great opportunity.

“But after we spoke with the doctor it was decided that he would stay here. He wanted to go, he wanted to help, but it’s better that he stays here.

“He’s training very hard with the physios, but the knee is a special case, we’ll have to see what happens.”

Chelsea face Sunderland on Saturday before travelling to Japan to represent Europe in the tournament featuring club champions from all six FIFA confederations.

Bentiez’s men enter at the semi-final stage, where they will meet South Korean side Ulsan Hyundai or Mexican team Monterrey on December 13.