Terry surgery a blow for England

LONDON: Chelsea defender John Terry is a major doubt for England’s upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers after suffering a depressed fracture of the cheekbone.

The 26-year-old Terry had surgery and the fear for England and Chelsea is that he may face a lengthy lay-off after having plate fitted in his cheek.

The England captain is set to miss crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers at home to Estonia on October 13 and then away to Russia four days later.

Terry suffered the injury in Chelsea’s goalless draw with Fulham on Saturday afternoon. He took a blow in a challenge with Clint Dempsey early in the game and was replaced at half-time. The London club confirmed that Terry was not concussed and will be released from hospital late Sunday itself. Terry’s injury is a further setback for Chelsea as they struggle for form with the spectre of Jose Mourinho’s exit from the club also still hanging over them.