Chelsea will be without captain John Terry for a potential Club World Cup final meeting with Corinthians after the centre-back was ruled out of the tournament with a knee injury.
The news regarding Terry, 31, was confirmed to reporters by new Blues manager Rafael Benitez on Friday, meaning Chelsea will likely start with a partnership of Gary Cahill and Brazil’s David Luiz in Japan next week.
Benitez told reporters: “He wanted to go and to help, but it’s better he stays here. The inflammation during the flight will not be the best thing for him so he will not travel.”
The former England captain has been sidelined since picking up the injury in a 1-1 draw with Liverpool last month, after an accidental collision with Liverpool forward Luis Suarez as the Uruguayan fell following a separate tackle.
While Corinthians are already in Japan preparing for the tournament, Chelsea will face Sunderland in the Premier League this weekend before heading to the Far East.
