Frank Lampard to miss Chelsea's vital clash with Arsenal

The England skipper is a doubt for the friendly against Brazil in Qatar tomorrow after picking up an ankle injury in training this morning. He was expected to appear at a press conference in Doha to preview the match only for Gareth Barry to speak instead.

England's medical team are now running some tests but national coach Fabio Capello is confident Terry hasn't suffered any major damage and could still line up against the five-time World Cup winners.

He said: "He was running on his own and twisted his ankle. I am confident he will be fit for tomorrow. The doctors think so but I won't take a risk. If he is not fit, he will not play."

Terry's injury concern followed that of Chelsea team-mate Lampard, who arrived back at the club's training ground today having sustained a thigh problem with England.

It was initially feared the 31-year-old could be out until the new year but the club doctors received a better forecast after he underwent a scan today.

A Chelsea statement said: "It has been confirmed that Frank Lampard suffered a muscle tear in his left thigh while away with England. The Chelsea medical department's initial impression is that he may take approximately three weeks to recover."

That is still a major blow for Chelsea because he is set to miss the club's huge match against title rivals Arsenal at Emirates Stadium on 29 November.

He is also in a race against time to prove his match fitness ahead of the tough match a week later away to Manchester City.

Chelsea are in a battle with Porto to finish top of their Champions League group and he is expected to be ruled out for their match in Portugal on 25 November.

Capello played down any link between Lampard's injury and the type of plane used by the squad to travel to Qatar.

There were suggestions that the players had been too cramped on a charter flight but Capello said: "It is the same plane we used to fly to Trinidad and Kazakhstan."

Chelsea are also understood to be calm about the situation and will be compensated anyway because the Football Association insure the players against injury while on international duty.

Should Terry be forced to withdraw tomorrow, Wayne Rooney, who is enjoying a great season for Manchester United, will get the armband.

Capello said: "If John Terry doesn't play, it will be Wayne Rooney. He is fit and he is ready to be a captain."

Meanwhile, Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill was surprised by Luke Young's decision to retire from international football.

The Villa right-back, 30, told the FA last season he was no longer available for selection.
But the decision only became public this week, when he was asked about his availability after Glen Johnson returned to Liverpool for treatment on an injury.

O'Neill said: "My own personal view is that you should try to keep going for as long as you can — both at club level and international.

"However, at the end of the day, it's his decision.

"It's always up to the individual, particularly with international football.

"It's not my position to decide for people one way or the other. I do not know what has gone on before or what made him come to that decision."