Terry has been out of action for a couple of weeks with a back injury that has been bothering him for a while, and his failure to improve through physitherapy has led to opinion being divided among Chelsea's medical team on the way forward.

He is having problems with a disc in his lower back, and the Blues' doctors are increasingly of the opinion that only surgery will repair the damage. That, however, would rule the defender out for almost a month, something Chelsea are wary of.

As a result, he is now being sent to France to be examined by a specialist, who will ascertain whether rest and physiotherapy for another ten days or so will be sufficient.

The opinion among the technical staff is also said to be divided on the matter, as to whether to go for the shorter option as they chase down Manchester United, or to have him fully fit for the Champions League.

A decision will be made by the end of the week.

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