Blues could give Terry time off

Chelsea are prepared to give John Terry time off in his fight to clear his name over allegations of racist abuse, manager Andre Villas-Boas has confirmed.

Blues and England captain Terry has continued to play for both club and country since it was first alleged that he racially abused QPR defender Anton Ferdinand during October's Barclays Premier League game at Loftus Road.

Terry has faced jeers and taunts since then, never more so than during his return to Rangers on Saturday, four days before his court case was due to begin at Westminster Magistrates Court. Terry denies racially abusing Ferdinand, and should a magistrates trial take place during the season, Villas-Boas will consider allowing Terry to take time off. He said: "Eventually, if it is important for the justice, we will do it."

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