Terry to have facemask for broken cheekbone

LONDON, Oct 2 (Reuters) Chelsea have had a protective mask made for captain John Terry, who underwent surgery on Sunday for a broken cheekbone, and say he will travel with his team mates to Valencia for tomorrow's Champions League Group B game.

The England captain suffered a depressed fracture of the cheekbone during Saturday's 0-0 Premier League draw with Fulham.

''He had the operation on Sunday which was very successful but he couldn't train yesteray because we had to get a protective mask moulded,'' club doctor Bryan English was quoted as saying on the club's Web site (www.chelseafc.com).

''The reason for getting it all done as soon as possible is so he can be back and playing. I don't know when that is going to be but the mask needs to fit properly or another blow will just knock that small piece of bone back.

''The mask will be taken on the plane with us whether he is going to play against Valencia or not,'' English said.

England manager Steve McClaren said yesterday he hoped Terry would be fit for the country's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia later this month.

REUTERS BJR RK0944