John Terry is out of Chelsea’s Premier League clash with Stoke City tomorrow and is a major doubt for their Champions League match with Paris Saint-Germain on Wednesday.
The Blues captain has been injured since straining his hamstring against Newcastle United last month, although he is now back in training.
However, boss Guus Hiddink has ruled him out of tomorrow’s game, along with winger Pedro, as Chelsea look to continue their fine run of form.
“He’s with the physios and he’s also training but he’s not with the group yet,” said Hiddink.
“We’ll see how it goes for Wednesday.
“Pedro is the same. He hasn’t practised with the group yet. He is getting treatment but also running and exercising on the pitch.”
The Blues now enter their biggest week of the season, with their fate in the Champions League and FA Cup set to be decided.
They lost 2-1 to PSG in the first leg of their last-16 Champions league tie, and must win on Wednesday in order to secure their place in the last eight.
And next weekend, they travel to Everton in the quarter-finals of the FA Cup as they hope to end this disappointing season with a couple of trophies.
Hiddink is also focused on climbing up the Premier League table from 10th position.
“A top-four finish is possible but others are knocking on the door, other candidates, West Ham, Stoke are close,” he said.
Chelsea have won their last three league games and are unbeaten in the league since Hiddink took over in December.
Stoke City boss Mark Hughes thinks Chelsea’s current form is strong enough for them to mount a late challenge.
“They’ve got themselves into a position where they can have a strong finish and may well get into the European places,” he said.
“They may need others to slip up, but they have the potential to go on a run which can take them a long way.”
Image courtesy of Chelsea TV via YouTube, with thanks
