John Terry Injures Foot In Training, Scan To Determine World Cup Future

England central defender John Terry limped away from Chelsea practice on Wednesday, eventually leaving for a local hospital with his foot in a protective boot.

The former Three Lions captain had a diagnostic scan performed on his right foot, the results of which will determine his availability for the World Cup.

While questions about the World Cup may seem premature, multiple sources reporting the injury (here, here - AP story) have referenced the finals as being in jeopardy. Another source has reported the injury suspected is a broken metatarsal - one of the long bones in the arch of the foot.

If that diagnosis is confirmed, Terry could have the foot immobilized for up to 8 weeks and would be out of the World Cup.

Chelsea FC, on the club’s web site, confirmed the occurrence of a “knock” and called the scan “precautionary:”

John Terry has today taken a knock in training and has gone to hospital for a precautionary scan on his right foot.

He left Cobham walking freely in a protective boot, and we await the results which are expected on Thursday.

Despite being stripped of his captaincy earlier this year, Terry is expected to be one of the England starting center halves when the Three Lions open their World Cup campaign against the United States on June 12.

Should Terry be unable to assume that role, coach Fabio Capello’s potential replacements include Tottenham Hotspur’s Michael Dawson, West Ham United’s Mathew Upson, but mostly likely would be Tottenham’s Ledley King - a natural left-center half who was amongst England’s best defenders over the final two months of the Premier League season.

Chelsea still has one match remaining in their season - the May 15th FA Cup final at Wembley against Portsmouth. Should Terry be unable to play on Saturday, Branislav Ivanovic and Alex would likely partner in central defense, with Paulo Ferreira starting at Ivanovic’s right back position.