Chelsea expect Ashley Cole to play again this season despite the England international defender suffering posterior cruciate ligament damage.

The left-back was injured during last night's Premiership clash with Blackburn when he twisted his left knee - and it was feared he may be ruled out for the remainder of the campaign.

But a scan has revealed the 26-year-old does not require surgery and Chelsea are hopeful he will feature again this season.

The player is almost certainly out of the England squad for next week's international with Spain at Old Trafford.

Cole was carried off on a stretcher during the second half of Chelsea's 3-0 victory last night.

The former Arsenal defender trapped his studs in the turf as he attempted to control the ball and went down in agony clutching his left knee.

Chelsea captain John Terry has returned to full fitness and will be available for Saturday's clash with Charlton.

Terry has been out since December 13th with a back injury that required surgery with the England defender's rehabilitation then being complicated by a calf problem.

The club's form has suffered without Terry but manager Jose Mourinho said today he will be in the squad to face Charlton at The Valley.

"John Terry is an important player for us. We've missed him and he's been out for a long, long time," he said.

"It's important he's back, especially in a period when we keep losing players. We lose some players, we then gain some players and it's important he's available."