Chelsea captain Terry ruled out of Club World Cup

John Terry's Chelsea was knocked out of the Champions League in the group stage.

Charlie Forgham/Icon SMI

Chelsea captain John Terry has been ruled out of the Club World Cup because of ongoing knee injury.

The defender damaged ligaments in his right knee a month ago and Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez says the long flight to Japan wouldn't help his recovery.

"The inflammation during the flight will not be the best thing for him so he will not travel,'' Benitez said. "He wanted to go and to help, but it's better that he stays here.

"We don't know when he will play. We have to wait and see how he reacts.''

Chelsea's first game at the Club World Cup is the semifinal match Wednesday against either Ulsan Hyundai or Monterrey in Yokohama. Chelsea earned its spot at the Club World Cup by winning the European Cup for the first time in May.

But after winning the Champions League, Chelsea became the first holders to go out in the group stage on Wednesday