Terry doubtful for England match

World Cup 2010 qualifying Group Six: England v Kazakhstan
Venue: Wembley Date: Saturday, 11 October Kick-off: 1715 BST Coverage: BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sport website. Live on ITV1
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Skipper Terry is desperate to be fit for Saturday's sell-out tie at Wembley

England captain John Terry remains a major doubt for Saturday's World Cup qualifier with Kazakhstan because of a recurring back injury.

The 27-year-old Chelsea defender did not train on Thursday after failing to complete Wednesday's session.

It is the second day of training Terry has been forced to miss after he sat out the workout on Tuesday.

Meanwhile, Wigan striker Emile Heskey resumed training after also suffering from a back problem and is set to play.

The 30-year-old had joined Terry on the sidelines on Wednesday.

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Terry suffered a recurrence of his back injury in Chelsea's Champions League tie against CFR Cluj last week and required more treatment in the Premier League match against Aston Villa on Sunday.

Reports suggest the 27-year-old will not be fit in time for the game with Kazakhstan and could struggle to recover in time for Wednesday's match against Belarus in Minsk.


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Either Matthew Upson or Joleon Lescott could come in to partner Rio Ferdinand in central defence.

If Terry is ruled out, Ferdinand is also likely to be given the chance to lead out his country again.

The Manchester United defender was in the running to become the permanent England captain before Capello decided to hand the armband to Terry in August.

BBC Radio 5 Live football correspondent Jonathan Legard said: "It now appears Terry's problem needs more than the three days' rest as recommended by his Chelsea coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.


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News conference: Peter Crouch
"On club form, you would have thought Upson rather than Lescott would be favourite to replace him alongside Ferdinand, who would wear the captain's armband."

With Joe Cole out with a foot injury, it is believed Capello will ditch the plan of having a holding midfielder, the role Gareth Barry performed against Croatia, and pair Steven Gerrard with Frank Lampard in central midfield.

Theo Walcott is set to retain his place on the right after scoring a memorable hat-trick against Croatia in Zagreb in September.

Heskey, if passed fit, is again expected to partner Wayne Rooney in attack, although Capello also has the recalled Peter Crouch as an option up front.