Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has indicated that captain John Terry may be given time off as he fights to prove his innocence amid allegations of racist abuse.
Terry has remained a fixture for club and country since it was claimed he aimed a racist slur towards QPR’s Anton Ferdinand during Chelsea’s 1-0 defeat at Loftus Road in October.
He strongly denies doing so and has vowed to clear his name.
His court case is due to begin this week and Villas-Boas says the defender will be allowed time away from Stamford Bridge if need be.
“Eventually, if it is important for justice, we will do it,” said the Portuguese.
Terry was predictably barracked by QPR fans during Saturday’s FA Cup tie at Loftus Road but produced an assured performance.
“He is a player that has been through various situations of stress and difficult atmospheres,” Villas-Boas added.
“We haven’t stopped using him and his performances have not been affected.”
Related story: AVB hails Terry after Chelsea triumph
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This post was last modified on 30/01/2012