England captain Terry to miss Estonia match

LONDON, Oct 12 (Reuters) England captain John Terry will miss Saturday's Euro 2008 qualifying game against Estonia (1730 IST) at Wembley because of a knee problem, the FA confirmed.

But the Chelsea defender, who suffered the injury in training on Wednesday, could be fit for next Wednesday's Group E qualifier in Moscow against Russia.

''John Terry had a scan on his left knee today and he will not be fit for Saturday's game against Estonia,'' England manager Steve McClaren said in a statement on the FA Web site (www.thefa.com) yesterday.

''He will remain with the squad and his injury will be assessed on a daily basis, with a view to Wednesday's match in Russia.

''During this time the England and Chelsea medical teams have been and will be in close communication.'' Terry, the latest in a list of England casualties, suffered a depressed fracture of the cheekbone late last month and played for Chelsea against Valencia in the Champions League last week wearing a protective mask.

He is likely to be replaced in the England lineup by Portsmouth defender Sol Campbell.

England also have strikers Emile Heskey, Dean Ashton and Andy Johnson out injured while Michael Owen is returning from a hernia operation.

However Wayne Rooney and Frank Lampard are back from injury.

England are second in Group E with 20 points from nine matches, three behind leaders Croatia. Russia have 18 points.

REUTERS BJR HS1013