Chelsea's hopes of regaining the Premier League title were rocked on Friday when coach Avram Grant said England defenders John Terry and Ashley Cole were facing lengthy injury layoffs.

Captain Terry had a knee operation on Friday after he was hurt in training before England's midweek match with Russia. He will be out for an estimated three weeks.

Cole, who damaged his ankle playing for England against Estonia last Saturday, faces four weeks on the sidelines.

Grant confirmed the news to reporters at the club's training complex at Cobham.

In a statement on the club's Web site ( www.chelseafc.com), he said: "We have a big squad and we need to handle this situation".
   
Chelsea visit Middlesbrough in the league on Saturday.