There was contrasting news for Chelsea’s England pairing John Terry and Ashley Cole today. Terry training with his England colleagues as they prepared for Wednesday’s clash with Russia. Ashley Cole meanwhile returned to Chelsea for further treatment on the ankle injury picked up against Estonia at the weekend.

Terry is by no means fit for Wednesday’s game after picking up a knee injury in training, the latest of a series of knocks that have inflicted the England and Chelsea skipper. Steve McClaren is still being cautious as to his chances of making the game. Terry apparently has a small piece of cartilage floating inside the knee that may have to be removed. Currently, he is not reporting an discomfort but England will apparently consult the Chelsea medical team before making a decision. Chelsea travel to Boro on Saturday and Terry does appear to have a chance of making that game. Ashley Cole is another story.

His ankle injury looked pretty nasty and McClaren was quick to rule him out of the Russia game today. Cole is now back at Stamford Bridge for treatment by the Chelsea medical staff and, although there is no confirmed news on the extent of the injury, it appears Cole is a major doubt for the weekend. That could see a return to first team action for Wayne Bridge who has recovered speedily from a hip injury. Bridge is back in training and has lined up for the reserves earlier in the month. Avram Grant however, could feel that it is too early for a return so Alex, Ben-Haim or Ferreira are alternatives, depending on the availability of Terry.