Reports today [source] are suggesting that John Terry’s broken metatarsals are not progressing well and that the Chelsea skipper could be out until the end of February.

Terry suffered three broken bones in his foot against Arsenal on December 16 and was originally scheduled to be sidelined for around six weeks. However, he has so far been unable to step up his rehabilitation programme which has significantly slowed his progress.

Chelsea were optimistic about having him back by the end of January in time for him to take his place in the England squad for Capello’s first game in charge against Switzerland on Febuary 6. All the talk is that England and Chelsea are resigned to the fact that this will not be the case and today’s Guardian is even suggesting a possible layoff of two to three months.

This could have a number of implications for fantasy managers. Initially the news may extend the stay of Alex in Avram Grant’s first eleven but should Terry’s length of absence be significantly extended, it could well be that Grant is pushed to reinforce is defence later this month. There is already talk of Inter’s Maicon Douglas being a potential target. Any new centre back signing made in the January window would be likely to push Alex and Ben-Haim further down the pecking order and could even threaten Carvalho’s place in the side.