Terry fit for World Cup

England defender John Terry has been given the all-clear for the World Cup after a scan on his injured ankle.

Terry will not play in Chelsea’s final Premiership game of the season at Newcastle on Sunday but there is no doubt about his availability for England.

The 25-year-old Blues skipper needed three stitches in a cut just above his ankle after a tackle from Wayne Rooney during Saturday’s defeat of Manchester United. He also twisted the same ankle later in the game.

Terry left Stamford Bridge on crutches and was ordered to sit out the final two games of the season by manager Jose Mourinho. Chelsea were beaten 1-0 at Blackburn on Tuesday.

Terry underwent a precautionary scan to make sure there was no deep bruising on the bone but it has proved clear and he has been told he can start running again.

Chelsea club doctor Bryan English said: “He will resume running and he should be fine.”

It is a rare piece of positive news for England boss Sven-Goran Eriksson who has seen several of his World Cup stars struck down by injuries.

Rooney is expected to miss the start of the finals, and possibly the whole tournament in Germany, after suffering more than one fracture in his right foot at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

Michael Owen is returning from a similar foot injury and Ledley King (foot), Jermaine Jenas (shin) and Ashley Cole (foot) are also at various stages of rehabilitation.