Terry puts on a brave face to skipper Chelsea
Head coach Avram Grant claimed John Terry looks like something out of the movie Halloween, but the Chelsea skipper was taking his part seriously as he emerged on set at the Mestalla Stadium.
Just four days after an operation on his fractured right cheekbone, Terry wants to captain Chelsea in the Champions League Group B clash against Valencia wearing a protective mask.
Hair-raiser: John Terry will risk playing
'It is John Terry's decision,' said Grant. 'He wants to play so it is up to him.'
If he is caught by a stray elbow tonight another operation will be necessary, but Chelsea team doctor Bryan English said: 'If you get a fractured cheekbone behind a certain point you can play on. The chance of getting another blow on the same point is minimal so it is a small risk.
'The reason John came off at half-time against Fulham is because it might have made surgery more complex if he received another blow.
'He couldn't train on Monday because we had to get a mask moulded.'
Terry trained last night for the first time wearing the mask as Grant fine-tuned his team for a game that the players concede they cannot afford to lose.
Joe Cole, who is expected to start on the right of Chelsea's midfield, said: 'JT is very important to us. He is our captain on and off the pitch, he is our leader and it shows his character to come here three days after an operation. Now he's come here and is ready to play.'
Chelsea have already spoken to UEFA about the prospect of Terry playing in his mask but finally it will be up to Valencia and the discretion of Italian referee Roberto Rosetti.
Cover up: Paul Gascoigne
Paul Gascoigne and Middlesbrough keeper Mark Schwarzer played wearing masks and Chelsea do not believe there will be any objections to Terry playing at the scene of last season's 2-1 quarter-final triumph.
Grant added: 'He said he wants to play and we have to check with the medical department. I'm not sure whether he looks better wearing it — I'd better ask his wife.'
Terry's wife, Toni, will be watching from the comfort of their home but the safest place will probably be behind the sofa.
