Terry close to Blues return

Chelsea captain John Terry is closing in on a first-team return and could be involved at Stoke this weekend, interim manager Rafael Benitez has revealed.

The 32-year-old has not featured for the Blues since the 1-1 draw with Liverpool on November 11 following a collision with Luis Suarez. Terry had been expected to be out for three weeks but is only now closing in on a return two months on.

The centre-back is due to face Fulham with Chelsea's Under-21 team on Thursday evening, which Benitez admits could see him return to the first team at Stoke on Saturday. "John Terry has been training and we are considering playing him on Thursday with the Under-21 team," the Spaniard said.

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