John Terry Injury: Chelsea Star's Ankle Issue 'Solved' Before Manchester United

Chelsea manager Antonio Conte has confirmed that captain John Terry is available for Sunday's Premier League match against Manchester United, despite reports he had suffered an ankle injury likely to keep him out of the Stamford Bridge clash.  

The Italian boss said in his pre-match press conference that Terry's issue had been resolved, per Chelsea.

According to the Times' Matt Hughes, the centre-back was unable to train on Thursday after picking up his second ankle problem of the season.

It was reported that, even if he did return to training on Friday, it was "unlikely that he will be risked [against United] after picking up two separate ankle injuries in the space of six weeks," per Hughes.

Terry has not played for Chelsea since their clash with Swansea City on September 11. 

Though now 35 years old, Terry remains one of Conte's most important defenders.

Before picking up his first ankle injury of the campaign, he started Chelsea's first four Premier League games of the term, per WhoScored.com.

Conte's alternative options at centre-back—David Luiz and Gary Cahill—both have plenty to offer the side, but neither can match Terry's expertise and experience.

A veteran of more than 700 appearances for the west London club, Terry has been captain of Chelsea since 2004 and provides leadership that can be valuable at crucial moments. 

He has lost some of his sharpness as he nears the end of his career, but given Chelsea's relative weakness in defence, he is still a vital part of the back line.

With Terry available again for the United clash, Conte may alter the three-man defence of Luiz, Cahill and Cesar Azpilicueta that started the recent victories against Leicester City and Hull City.