• Defender suffered dead leg against Arsenal
• Chelsea manager says next fixture is key

John Terry has recovered from the dead leg he suffered during Chelsea’s victory over Arsenal on Sunday and will be fit to lead his side against Everton tomorrow.

“He will play,” said Chelsea manager, Carlo Ancelotti. “He had a little problem in his leg but he recovered very well and he will play tomorrow.”

Speaking to Italian newspaper La Republica, Ancelotti also reiterated his belief that it was the right decision to keep the defender on as club captain despite the revelations surrounding his private life and the subsequent decision by Fabio Capello to drop him as England skipper.

“[Terry] has maintained the captaincy because it’s not my role to monitor the private life of my players, unless this affects their performances,” said Ancelotti. “For myself and for the club, he is a great captain, a serious professional, a leader and a player who has great closeness to this club, because he grew up in the Chelsea Academy.”

Meanwhile, Arsène Wenger had suggested Chelsea were guilty of some unfair challenges on his players at the weekend but Ancelotti shrugged off the comments. “I think everyone can say everything about the game,” he added. “I think Ballack explained his position about it. I think Ballack said good things. We prepared for the game and did what we wanted to do on the pitch.

“I heard that Wenger said about our fouls in the game but we did the same [number] as Arsenal.”

Chelsea’s title rivals Manchester United play Aston Villa tomorrow and Ancelotti says the next round of matches could be crucial. “It could be a very important moment in the Premier League,” he said. “We have Everton, United play Aston Villa, it could be an important day, we need to win to stay top of the table.”

ChelseaJohn TerryEvertonPremier LeagueJamie Jacksonguardian.co.uk