John Terry Chelsea future: Guus Hiddink 'sad' captain will miss last two games of the season after red card against Sunderland
Guus Hiddink has expressed his sadness that John Terry will miss Chelsea's final two games of the season after the defender was sent off in the Blues' 3-2 defeat against Sunderland on Saturday afternoon.
Terry, who only returned from injury in Chelsea's 2-2 draw against Tottenham on Monday, picked up his first yellow card at the Stadium of Light when he fouled Jermain Defoe in the 86th minute.
With Chelsea losing the Premier League clash 3-2, Terry was then given his marching orders after delivering a challenge on Wahbi Khazri in added time - meaning he has been sent off more times than any other Chelsea player in the top-flight.
The red card also means Terry will miss Chelsea's midweek clash with Liverpool at Anfield but, because the centre-back was sent off during Chelsea's 3-2 loss away to West Brom in August, he will now be suspended for the Blues' final game of the season at home to Leicester City next weekend because it is his second red card of the campaign.
Hiddink told reporters: "For the club, I don't know, but it's sad, of course, that he was sent off for a second yellow, and it's the second sending-off, which by the rules means he will suspended [for both games].
"I think the referee [Mike Jones] was too close to the incident. Normally we say, 'Referee, be close to what can happen', but I think he was too close and an impulsive reaction made him draw the yellow card.
"With a little bit more distance, 10 yards more, he could have thought, 'Hey, these two guys went intensively for the duel' - it was an intense game and he has to consider a bit the intensity of the game and this duel as well.
"He was too close, for me, and took too harsh a decision."
Asked if it would be a sad way for Terry to end his Chelsea career, Hiddink said: "Yes, of course.
"We don't know what his future is at this moment but for this season, it's sad because it would have been lovely to have had in our last game at home, the Leicester game, the champions and have a very nice party game, let's call it that, and it's sad that he is not participating in that."
Chelsea have not yet given their long-standing skipper a new contract and, with his current deal at Stamford Bridge expiring this summer, Terry may have played his final game for his boyhood team.
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Sunderland vs Chelsea Player Ratings
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1/13 Player Ratings
Who shone at the Stadium of Light?
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2/13 Thibaut Courtois: 6
The goalkeeper justified his inclusion back in the team following suspension when he made a close-range save to deny Yedlin in the first half although he will feel he could have done more to keep Borini's effort out after getting a hand to the ball.
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3/13 Branislav Ivanovic: 5
Was caught out at the back several times by Khazri's pace but, going forward, he did well - setting up Costa for a great chance with a superb cross. It was only when he went down injured that Borini scored. Replaced by Baba Rahman late on.
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4/13 Gary Cahill: 5
A game of highs and lows for the defender. After being fortunate to escape an early sending off for his foul on Defoe after just 42 seconds, Cahill then failed to clear the ball properly allowing Khazri to score. However, he made up for it by setting up Costa's opener before regaining his solidity at the back.
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5/13 John Terry: 4
Was caught out of position on a few occasions and had to be bailed out by Azpilicueta, who was ever-present at the back. The captain's day was capped off in disappointing fashion as Borini's strike deflected off him and into the goal, and he then received his marching orders.
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6/13 Cesar Azpilicueta: 6
Displayed some solid defending, not only keeping Borini and Yedlin at bay for much of the game, but also helping Terry out when needed. Set up Matic's goal with a lovely header.
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7/13 John Obi Mikel: 4
Was caught out a few times with his lack of pace, and was to blame for Khazri's goal after heading the ball back to Sunderland. It was his touch that then steered the ball into Defoe's path just before Sunderland's third.
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8/13 Nemanja Matic: 6
Superbly started, and then finished the attack that led to him scoring Chelsea's second. Linked up Chelsea's defence with attack well - exemplified by when he sent an accurate through-ball into the path of Azpilicueta in the second half. Should have pressurised Borini more before the striker's goal.
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9/13 Willian: 5
Appeared a little rusty - tamely driving an early goalscoring change right at Mannone - although it was only the goalkeeper's fine save that denied him a goal from a free kick. Replaced by Oscar with 11 minutes to go after an overall ineffective showing.
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10/13 Cesc Fabregas: 6
Pulled the strings from his No.10 position well, linking up with Hazard and Costa throughout the game. He is seemingly enjoying the freedom afforded to him from his new role just behind Costa.
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11/13 Eden Hazard: 6
Began the attack that led to Costa scoring, and appeared motivated and sharp throughout the game - similar to against Tottenham. His display gives backing to his assertion that he has rediscovered his passion for playing.
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12/13 Diego Costa: 7
Minutes after chucking away his gloves in what was perhaps a sign of what he was to do, Costa scored his 12th league goal when he calmly fired in the opener. He could have had a second, and indeed a third, but was denied by Mannone. Still, the striker looked sharp and back to his best at the Stadium of Light.
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13/13 Baba Rahman: 4
Suffered the worst possible start upon his introduction onto the pitch for the injured Ivanovic after slipping and allowing Yedlin to set up Defoe for the winner.
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