Round-up: Terry expected to miss out and QPR look at trialists
Chelsea boss Antonio Conte has indicated that John Terry is unlikely to play against Tottenham even if Gary Cahill is unavailable for Saturday’s FA Cup semi-final.
Cahill was treated in hospital for gastroenteritis this week and is doubtful for the game at Wembley.
That prompted speculation that Terry, who recently announced that he will be leaving Chelsea this summer, could be given a starting place.
However, Conte suggested that Cahill, who has played on the left of a back three for most of this season, will not be replaced by Terry if the England defender misses out.
Conte explained: “This is a semi-final and this season we try to have in every position two options – the player that usually players and another.
“The right position for John when we play with three is a more central position, but that is David Luiz. I have to make the best decision and we try different solution.”
Ugbo’s double
Prolific striker Ike Ugbo scored two more goals as Chelsea’s development side drew 2-2 with league leaders Everton on Friday evening.
Ugbo opened the scoring for the hosts with a deflected shot in the first half.
Bassala Sambou levelled and Liam Walsh put Everton ahead before Ugbo fired home an equaliser.
QPR look at Owens
QPR are giving a trial to Liverpool youngster Kris Owens.
The 18-year-old left-back, who can also play in midfield, featured for Rangers’ development side in a match against Watford on Friday afternoon.
So too did MK Dons youngster Peter Kioso – another full-back on trial – and Tottenham midfielder Charlie Owens, who has been training with the R’s in recent weeks.
QPR won 3-0 at Vicarage Road with goals from Aramide Oteh, Josh Bowler and Ebere Eze.
Onuoha back, Hall out
Nedum Onuoha has been passed fit for QPR’s derby at Brentford but Grant Hall remains sidelined.
Hall has missed Rangers’ last two matches after picking up an injury in training, while Onuoha was ruled out of Monday’s home defeat by Sheffield Wednesday after suffering concussion against Bristol City.
Fans unite for Bowles
Fans of both clubs will collect money outside Griffin Park in aid of Stan Bowles ahead of Saturday’s derby between QPR and Brentford.
Rangers legend Bowles, who saw out his career at Brentford, has Alzheimer’s disease.
Money collected will go to the Stan Bowles Alzheimer’s Fund, which was set up in 2015 following his diagnosis.
England’s new deal
Chelsea Ladies star Beth England has signed a new contract.
The 22-year-old, who was signed from Doncaster Rovers Belles in January last year, is now under contract at Chelsea until 2019.
‘I’m really grateful and happy the club want to keep me until then, because I absolutely love it here,” she said.
Robson leads Middlesex charge
Sam Robson maintained his impressive start to the season with an unbeaten hundred to put Middlesex in control of their County Championship clash with Essex.
The opener – who struck 84 in last week’s drawn match against Hampshire – reached 144 not out, sharing a partnership of 241 with fellow centurion Nick Gubbins after his side had been put in at Lord’s.
