John Terry to see specialists over injury

John Terry will continue to see "various specialists" to resolve his long-term nerve injury, Chelsea today confirmed.

The complaint forced Terry to miss the shock 3-0 Barclays Premier League home defeat against Sunderland on Sunday, which served to underline the importance of the England defender to the Blues' title defence.

The 29-year-old admitted that he was no longer able to play with the pain of the injury, which he has battled since the end of last season, and is worried he will now have to take a long-term break in order to fully recover.

A Chelsea spokesman this afternoon confirmed Terry would continue to receive expert medical care in the search for a cure.

"John reported for training this morning. He met with club doctors and medical team and discussed plans to continue seeing various specialists to try to find a solution to the nerve problems he has been experiencing in his right leg."

Terry was already set to miss England's friendly against France at Wembley tomorrow night.

It has been suggested the defender could fly out to Italy later this week in the search for help.

"It is at a point where I cannot carry on with it," Terry said.

"I used to be able to make it through games because the adrenalin gets you going and you blank the pain out.

"But now there is no decision to make. After games I'm in agony and not sleeping at all."

Terry admits he is concerned over when he may be able to return to full fitness.

"I am at my wit's end," added the former England captain.

"I know I won't play against Birmingham on Saturday, but beyond that there are no clues.

"It could be weeks, it could be months."

Should Terry be ruled out it would be another major injury blow for Chelsea who have already been without fellow England international Frank Lampard for most of the season.

Lampard is set to miss at least another two weeks after suffering an abductor muscle injury in training last week.

The Blues are also without key midfielder Michael Essien, who has two games to run on his suspension after receiving a straight red card against Fulham.

Full-back Ashley Cole also misses the France international after being withdrawn from the squad because of an unspecified injury.

England manager Fabio Capello today confirmed Arsenal youngster Kieran Gibbs will start at Wembley.

Earlier this season, Cole joined Kenny Sansom as the most capped England full-back and has an array of domestic medals from his time at Arsenal and Stamford Bridge.

However, he is all too aware the next generation are waiting in the wings, but feels his commitment to the cause burns bright as ever.

"You do get a bit reflective at this stage in your career," Cole told the London Evening Standard. "There are a lot of youngsters coming through - we have Josh McEachran, who is 17, and you sit with him thinking: 'How old are you?'

"You do feel your age, but being on the pitch makes me feel young and enthusiastic and healthy. That's what keeps me going every day in training.

"I am just doing my job - playing as well as I can for Chelsea and trying to win things.

"I try my best for England, too, and what people think is out of my hands. I can't do anything about it."