I worry about Terry's ankle not his state of mind - Villas-Boas
Published 22:31 21/12/11 By Martin Lipton
The storm has raged around John Terry for weeks.
But for Andre Villas-Boas, it was not the racism allegations against his captain that made him shudder, but the real fear he would be without Chelsea's talisman at White Hart Lane on Thursday.
Terry has played in the knowledge he could be prosecuted for his alleged comments to Anton Ferdinand six weeks ago, since the initial Metropolitan Police inquiry became a formal “investigation” on November 1.
While some have questioned his form, none have doubted his commitment, and Villas-Boas has sought personal assurances from his captain that he is in the right frame of mind to play.
That may change now the threat has become a reality. Terry knows his international career will be over if he is found guilty of racially abusing Anton Ferdinand at Loftus Road on October 23.
But for Villas-Boas, the moment of anguish came just before noon on Monday, when Terry went down in a heap, clutching his Achilles tendon, during a public training session at Stamford Bridge.
“I feared the worst,” admitted Villas-Boas. “I thought it was the knee - you consider the ligament of the ankle or the knee.
“He said it was the ankle, but he was lucky. Normally, you can end up with big damage in those situations.
“Of course, everyone is central to the team’s performance in a collective sport, but bearing in mind our necessities, it would have been a blow to lose him.
"Luckily we had full assurances after training.”
With David Luiz ruled out through a knee problem, Terry’s importance was magnified.
But the Blues' boss did confirm he had needed to question him over his mental state.
“I at least try and have conversations with players, but JT has been telling me he is in the right frame of mind,” added Villas-Boas.
“He’s shown that with good performances. When people give me the OK and show fantastic commitment, then you know they are right.
"His commitment is unshaken and he will remain central to my thinking. I don’t doubt his integrity as a person. He’s been representing this club for a long time with tremendous success.
“We’re very grateful to have a player of John’s quality in our team. We know exactly his human values and personality, so we will support him whatever happens. But I’ve not the right to say that their justice is wrong.”
Liverpool’s Luis Suarez received an eight-match ban this week for racially abusing Manchester United’s Patrice Evra.
And Villas-Boas’ backing for Terry echoes that of Reds boss Kenny Dalglish for his player.
“I do think it is sending a message,” added the Blues chief. “It looks like it sets an example, but I’m not sure, and I’m not in a position to say if it’s been fairly applied or not. I’m not in full knowledge of the situation.
“In this case I understand Kenny Dalglish’s position.
"I respect that, culturally, there are things that have to be addressed.
“It doesn’t mean we don’t want to kick racism out of the game. But we have contact with these players on a daily basis and I believe him [Terry] and will continue to support him.”
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp admitted he is amazed by Terry’s ability to put problems to the back of his mind when he plays, and expects him to be a tough opponent on Thursday.
“He’s a big player, a leader,” said Redknapp. “He’s the nearest thing you’ve seen to Tony Adams, in terms of the way he leads the team. He’s an important player.
“He got injured the other day but the chances are he’ll play. He got injured on Saturday at Wigan and you thought he’d gone down with a bad knee and he was back on the pitch within two minutes.
“JT is one of those people who plays better the more things are stacked against him.
"Nothing seems to have affected his performances on the pitch.”
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