Soccer/ FA Premiership:Chelsea have received a twin boost with confirmation that John Terry is fit to return tomorrow at Charlton and news that Ashley Cole's knee injury is not as serious as initially feared.

Scans on the left back's left knee revealed posterior cruciate ligament damage, but Cole does not require surgery and is expected to be out for about two months. Chelsea hope to have him back for the start of April, when they will contest a Champions League quarter-final if they first eliminate Porto.

The 26-year-old will be relieved that fears of a season-ending injury proved unfounded, though he faces the disappointment of missing the League Cup final against his former club, Arsenal.

Cole sustained the damage after catching his studs in the turf during Chelsea's home win over Blackburn on Wednesday, and manager Jose Mourinho referred yesterday to the "bad pitch" at Stamford Bridge without specifying that he blamed it for the injury.

Terry is in line to end his 11-game absence, however, and will play for the first time since December 13th. Chelsea's captain had back surgery just after Christmas and initial suggestions that he would return in mid-January proved optimistic because of a lack of power in one of his calves. That problem was linked to the back injury.

"He's an important player, we miss him," Mourinho said. "He's been out for a long time and it's important he's back, especially when we're in a period when we keep losing players. It's important if we lose some to get some (back). So it's important for us that he is available."

Terry will take up the position that has been filled by Michael Essien, allowing the Ghanaian to return to his midfield berth in place of Mikel John Obi.

Terry's return looks well timed, as Chelsea begin a run of six matches in 23 days across four competitions. As well as league games against Charlton, Middlesbrough and Manchester City, they play an FA Cup fifth-round tie at home to Blackpool or Norwich City, the first leg of their tie against Porto, and the League Cup final.

Mourinho, who expects to have Khalid Boulahrouz back from injury in a week, was also upbeat about overhauling Manchester United and winning a third title. "The biggest challenge of my career? No," he said. "The biggest challenge at Chelsea was to win the first Premiership in 50 years - it was the challenge of the century for Chelsea. But catching United is something we want to do and something we feel we can do. We need 11 players at least, but with 11 players we can do it."

That was a reference to the need to avoid further injuries. Mourinho believes it reflects well on Chelsea to be six points behind the leaders when they have been without Terry, Petr Cech and Joe Cole for substantial periods of the season.

"It's a big achievement from a group full of problems; problems that look like they will never end," he said as the Chinese Olympic football team were welcomed to their Cobham base for a two-week training camp.

Chelsea said last night they had not drawn up a list of replacements for Mourinho after Marcello Lippi, the former Italy coach, claimed he was "on a wanted list" at the club.

"Nobody from Chelsea FC has spoken to Mr Lippi or his representatives or indeed anyone regarding the manager's job. Jose Mourinho has a contract until 2010, he has the support of everybody at Chelsea and he has said he wants to stay for the time of his contract."

• Guardian Service