Terry back operation 'successful'

Chelsea hope to have John Terry back in action within a matter of weeks, after he undergoing surgery on his back injury. The England skipper has not featured in the Blues' last three Premiership matches, in which they have conceded six goals and fallen four points behind leaders Manchester United.

It's hoped that the England captain will be available in around a month's time following his operation in France. A club statement read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that today club captain John Terry underwent successful surgery following his back injury. The operation took place in France following consultation between the Chelsea medical department and a leading neurosurgical specialist. The operation to remove a sequestrated lumbar intervertebral disc was successful, and everyone at the club wishes John a speedy and full recovery."

Terry's return would be welcome news for manager Jose Mourinho, who has made no secret of his desire to get the defender back in action as soon as possible, while England play their first international of 2007 - against Spain at Old Trafford - on February 7. It's likely that Terry is to remain out for around 4 weeks according to independent medical expert Phil Sheard - who believes Chelsea probably chose surgery for their lynchpin defender merely to speed his recovery.

"A couple of weeks is the most optimistic. Realistically you are looking at four to six weeks before he will be back playing football," the consultant told Sky Sports News. "In most cases, these will get better by themselves. But we quite frequently do operations so that we can get people back to work quickly - and I think that is what has happened here."

Meanwhile, reports have suggested that Manchester City defender Micah Richards is set to move to Stamford Bridge in a move that could see £18million change hands. Manager Stuart Pearce has rejected reports that Chelsea have lined up a bid for Richards, merely stating that the only contact made has been Pearce's request to look at some Chelsea players, fuelling speculation that Shaun Wright Philips could be making his way back to Eastlands. [Mof Gimmers]