Terry: I'll go anywhere to solve nerve trouble

Chelsea will leave no stone unturned as they look to cure John Terry’s long-term nerve problem.

The Blues were yesterday hit with an additional defensive blow when it was confirmed knee surgery would keep Brazil centre-back Alex out of action for up to eight weeks.

Terry was already set to miss England’s friendly against France at Wembley tonight because of the problem which has left the player at “my wits’ end”.

Chelsea confirmed their skipper would continue “seeing various specialists to try to find a solution”, with Terry possibly set to visit doctors in Italy on the recommendation of manager Carlo Ancelotti.

Whatever the cause, Terry has been pushed to the limit by the pain.

“Basically, I am trying whatever is suggested. I’m at my wits’ end,” the Chelsea captain said.

“I know I won’t play on Saturday against Birmingham, but beyond that there are no clues. It could be weeks, it could be months.

“Everybody is coming up with different names and I have said I will go anywhere if someone can solve the problem.”

Alex, meanwhile, had already missed both the Barclays Premier League games against Fulham and Sunderland, although he had linked up with Brazil for their midweek friendly in Qatar.

Chelsea saw their makeshift central defensive pairing of Paulo Ferreira and Branislav Ivanovic out-muscled by Sunderland’s frontline of Asamoah Gyan and Danny Welbeck during Sunday’s shock 3-0 home defeat.

Ancelotti, yet to formally replace axed assistant boss Ray Wilkins, now must plot just how to get through the build-up to a hectic Christmas programme.

The Blues may have already safely qualified for the knockout stages of the Champions League, but they now hold only a two-point lead over Arsenal and face a testing schedule during December with successive fixtures against Tottenham, Manchester United and then the Gunners.

While Terry is unsure just when he will be available again, if all goes to plan with Alex’s rehabilitation, the 29-year-old should be back by mid-January.

A statement on the club’s website, chelseafc.com, read: “Further to the Chelsea medical team’s diagnosis, the Brazilian national team doctors agree that further investigation via arthroscopic surgery is required on the player’s right knee. That will take place over the coming days.

“Alex is expected to be out for approximately six to eight weeks.”

Should Terry be ruled out for an extended spell as feared, it would be another major injury blow for Ancelotti.

Frank Lampard is set to miss at least another two weeks after suffering an abductor muscle injury in training, while striker Didier Drogba has been playing through a bout of malaria and key midfielder Michael Essien has two games to run on his suspension after receiving a straight red card against Fulham.

Full-back Ashley Cole also misses the France international after being withdrawn from the England squad because of an unspecified injury.