SOCCER:John Terry may require surgery on a back injury that has also led to a secondary calf problem, Chelsea's manager Jose Mourinho revealed yesterday. The recovery of the club captain and some other key players will be a serious factor in determining the side's prospects of retaining the Premiership title.

They are now four points behind Manchester United after dropping two in yesterday's home draw with Reading.

Since Terry last appeared the club have conceded six goals in Premiership matches with Everton, Wigan and now Reading. "Normally in three consecutive matches Chelsea have three clean sheets," said Mourinho, who admitted he is at the mercy of circumstances.

"The medical department have said surgery might be a possibility," he said of Terry's case. "I want them to make a quick decision. I don't know how long he will be out for - three days, three weeks or three months. I have no idea." Terry is likely to have a disc trimmed in an operation expected to take place in Bordeaux.

People will scoff at Mourinho's problems, bearing in mind the sums at his disposal to build a squad. It is worth bearing in mind that Khalid Boulahrouz, a centre-half bought for £7million in the summer, could not command so much as a place on the bench against Reading yesterday.

Though he would not confirm it Mourinho looks ready to make signings next month, and it is not only in defence that he is limited.

The manager is no clearer over the prospects of Joe Cole, who has broken a foot, than he is about Terry's. "Some medical philosophy is in favour of surgery," he explained. "Another medical philosophy is to wait for the bone to heal." In addition Arjen Robben has been hurt in training and Mourinho does not believe that he will be available over a festive period that sees Chelsea face Fulham at home on Saturday before going to Aston Villa on January 2nd. The only heartening news is that the goalkeeper Petr Cech may be back from a fractured skull next month.

The sale of Gallas and even Robert Huth now look harmful, but Chelsea are not yet beleaguered. As the manager noted: "It is not a drama: last 16 of the Champions League, semi-final of the Carling Cup, the FA Cup is starting now and we can be four points behind in the Premiership - there are 18 matches left and we will play against Manchester United at Stamford Bridge." Guardian Service