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Terry to face Tottenham despite race abuse case

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas, speaking before the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) announced on Wednesday that it had authorised the prosecution of Terry, had said the club would support him "whatever the outcome" of the inquiry.

The CPS investigated claims the 31-year-old centre-back racially abused fellow defender Anton Ferndinand during a stormy west London derby at Queens Park Rangers in October.

Asked if he had any doubts about Terry's state of mind ahead of what promises to be a red-hot derby match between third-placed Spurs and Chelsea, who are two points behind in fourth, Villas-Boas said he was sure Terry had the experience to cope.

"For a player with John's experience, it won't be a problem," said the Portuguese coach.

"The only thing I know is that I will be fully supportive of John Terry, whatever the outcome of the situation.

"He has my full support, he has the club's full support. He represents this club to a maximum level and we are very glad to have a player of his quality in our team.

"We know exactly his human values and personality. They are never in doubt."

Terry has repeatedly denied racially abusing Ferdinand and following the game at QPR's Loftus Road said: "I'm disappointed that people have leapt to the wrong conclusions about the context of what I was seen to be saying to Anton Ferdinand.

"I would never say such a thing and I'm saddened that people would think so."

He told reporters on Wednesday that Bale was "very doubtful" with an ankle sprain having already lost Lennon to a hamstring injury suffered in Sunday's home win over Sunderland.

The planned strike by London Underground train drivers is the result of a dispute over workers' bank holiday pay.