Blues coach Andre Villas-Boas said yesterday that Terry's absence is down to a knee injury and not the continued fallout from the racist abuse case that has cost the defender the England captaincy.

But with inconsistent Chelsea trying to hold onto a Champions League qualifying berth, Villas-Boas could do with Terry against a United side able to recall the attacking talent of Wayne Rooney, Nani, Ashley Young and Tom Cleverley, who are available after injury.

Gary Cahill could make his debut in place of Terry but Chelsea will also have to cope without suspended fullback Ashley Cole, knee injury victim Ramires and John Obi Mikel, who has a hamstring problem.

Villas-Boas is hoping midfielder Frank Lampard can return from the calf injury that has kept him out of the last two games.

United, visiting Stamford Bridge after winning three straight matches to move level with Manchester City at the top of the standings, can finally contemplate an improved injury list.

Manager Alex Ferguson has at times been without almost a full team of players but Rooney and Nani have been training for two days after recovering from injuries sustained in the January 22 win at Arsenal. Young has been out since December and Cleverley has been out since October.