Chelsea’s decision to give John Terry a contract for the current season was always going to come under scrutiny.
The former England captain initially seemed intent on demonstrating that was the right decision, but since his injury at Swansea, he has gradually been phased out of Antonio Conte’s plans.
The Italian has been hailed for his defensive tactics, but since he reverted to three at the back, there’s just no room for JT.
Gary Cahill doesn’t exactly provide lightning pace, but he’s that bit younger than the veteran, so he’s been occupying the central space at the back.
According to the Daily Mail, this is no accident. The newspaper have it that Conte is deliberately giving the club skipper less and less game time, and not just because of his recent injury.
Conte is evidently thinking long-term, and is already plotting bids for potential replacements, Juventus’ Leonardo Bonucci and Roma’s Antonio Rudiger top of the list.
Despite all this, Terry doesn’t want to leave in January, even though he is being linked with a switch to China – a move that could earn him £12million.
It’s clear the defender is still as loyal to Stamford Bridge as ever, but it looks like his future’s going to be taken out of his hands soon.
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