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Chelsea duo out of Belarus match

13/10/2008

John Terry and Ashley Cole have been ruled out of England's midweek World Cup qualifier in Belarus through injury.

Cole sustained a hamstring injury in Saturday's 5-1 defeat of Kazakhstan that Terry missed due to a back injury he is yet to recover from.

Both players have returned to Chelsea for further treatment, the Football Association said.

"It's disappointing to lose two very experienced players in John Terry and Ashley Cole for the game in Belarus," England coach Fabio Capello admitted.

"Unfortunately they have no chance of playing, so it is best they return to Chelsea."

Rio Ferdinand is set to captain Capello's side in Minsk alongside Matthew Upson in central defence, while Cole's Chelsea understudy Wayne Bridge could replace him in the starting XI.

Joleon Lescott is another option on the left for the Italian, who may yet replace Upson with the Everton defender or Wes Brown of Manchester United.

Cole's injury-enforced absence denies him the chance to redeem himself in supporters' eyes after being booed in Saturday's match at Wembley following a costly error.

Capello, the FA, Ferdinand and several other senior players have all condemned the booing as disproportionate.