Terry is on course for Lazio comeback

Chelsea received a boost today with the news that John Terry is likely to be fit for tomorrow's crucial Champions League game against Lazio.

The England defender missed Saturday's 2-1 defeat against Arsenal with a strained hamstring but has an 80 per cent chance of being passed fit to face the Italians at Stamford Bridge.

Terry felt he could have played at Highbury but was rested to prevent an aggravation to his injury. With Marcel Desailly (back) and William Gallas (ankle) still struggling, the 22-year-old's availability would lift spirits as Chelsea aim to get their Champions League campaign back on track following their home defeat to Besiktas.

Terry said: "I'm desperate to play but it's up to the manager. I'll be training today and he'll make a decision after the session."

Chelsea cannot afford another defeat if they are to progress to the second stage and Mario Melchiot admits they are feeling the pressure. The Dutch defender is expected to remain at centre-back if Terry is ruled out and fears they need to win.

Melchiot said: "We have put ourselves under pressure to get a good result against Lazio. Looking at the games we have left in the group we could really do with all three points."