Football Talk - Terry given time off - 11/02/10
John Terry will be given time off by Chelsea following allegations about his private life. Terry played in Chelsea's 2-1 defeat at Everton on Wednesday, but will miss Saturday's FA Cup tie with Cardiff.
"John has been given a few days leave and he will not play on Saturday," said assistant boss Ray Wilkins. Terry, 29, was sacked as England captain last week after claims he had an affair with Vanessa Perroncel, the ex-girlfriend of former Blues colleague Wayne Bridge.
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti has publicly backed his skipper but was expected to discuss the issue with Terry after the Premier League clash against Everton on Wednesday. Terry looked hesitant in the defeat at Goodison Park and was at fault for Louis Saha's second goal.
"I think that's inevitable when you're playing against someone like Louis Saha," said Wilkins. "John isn't infallible, he will miss headers and he will get beaten in the air, but he's been absolutely outstanding for us. We've been delighted with the way he's played."
Speaking prior to the Everton game, Ancelotti had said that he and Terry would decide whether he should take time off or play against Cardiff:
"He has not asked for any time off to see his wife," Ancelotti said in Tuesday's pre-match press conference. "My preference is what he wants. I am totally supportive of him. We will make the decision together. We want to respect the FA Cup because it is an important trophy in this country so we will speak after the game against Everton and make the decision, the right one for us both. The FA Cup and John's marriage are different; FA Cup is professional, the other thing is private."
