Terry's fine, Blues relieved

LONDON - JOHN Terry has been given the all-clear after being kicked in the head during Sunday's 2-1 League Cup final win over Arsenal.

The Chelsea captain made a remarkable return to the Millennium Stadium - less than two hours after being rushed to hospital following the horrific accidental kick.

The England captain was knocked unconscious by Arsenal midfielder Abou Diaby's high kick as he tried to head the ball in the Gunners' penalty area in the 56th minute.

He fell awkwardly, landing flat on his face, and players of both teams beckoned for urgent medical attention.

It was reported that he had swallowed his tongue, and was seen being given oxygen as he was treated on the pitch.

Terry had made a remarkable recovery to play in Cardiff.

He had suffered an ankle injury while on Champions League duty in midweek and had been expected to miss the final.

But he played and was in the thick of action - until the 56th minute.

Lying unconscious on the ground, he needed several minutes' attention from the physiotherapists of both clubs. He was eventually put in a neck brace and carried off on a stretcher.

The defender regained consciousness in the dressing room but was groggy. He was then taken to a hospital for scans on his head and neck.

But, two hours later, he returned to the stadium - still in his kit - to join his celebrating teammates.

And he showed no ill effects as he hugged Arsenal and England physiotherapist Gary Lewin.

However, Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho admitted that thoughts of the horrific skull fracture Petr Cech suffered at Reading flashed through his mind for a few moments when he saw his captain go down.

In the same match, replacement goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini also suffered a head injury.

Said Mourinho: 'Sometimes in football, dramatic things happen.

'This season, we have already had the situations with Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini and the negative thoughts come directly to your mind.

'The first point is, 'Is he safe? Is the man fine?'

'John's wife, his little babies, are here, so the most important thing is that the man is safe.

'Once we know he is okay, then we can think about the football.'

Although he did not see what happened, he apportioned no blame to Diaby, who was in tears as Terry was put on a stretcher.

Ironically, Diaby kicked the defender with such force that he jarred an ankle and was eventually substituted.

He is expected to miss Arsenal's FA Cup fifth-round replay against Blackburn tomorrow.

'John risked himself and the Arsenal player was trying to protect his goal,' said Mourinho. 'I have no criticism about that.'