Chelsea give captain Terry time off

Chelsea have given under-fire captain John Terry several days off. He will miss Saturday's FA Cup fifth round tie against Championship (second division) side Cardiff City at Stamford Bridge.

"John won't play this weekend," assistant manager Ray Wilkins told the club's website (www.chelseafc.com) after Wednesday's 2-1 Premier League defeat at Everton.

"(Manager) Carlo (Ancelotti) has given him a bit of time off and he will come back and play against Wolves (in the league) on the 20th."

Defender Terry, who was stripped of the England captaincy last week following a host of media allegations about his private life, was below his best as the league leaders lost at Everton.

"John isn't infallible, he will miss headers and he will get beaten in the air," added Wilkins.

"But he has been absolutely outstanding for us. We have been delighted with the way he has played (this season)."

Chelsea's lead was trimmed to a single point after second-placed Manchester United drew 1-1 at Aston Villa on Wednesday.

Ancelotti's men are also the FA Cup holders.