John Terry will be allowed to miss Chelsea's FA Cup fifth round tie against Cardiff this weekend if he wants to try to patch up his marriage after allegations he had an affair with the ex-girlfriend of former team-mate Wayne Bridge.
Terry has recovered from the dead leg he collected in the victory over Arsenal on Sunday and will lead the Blues against Everton at Goodison Park on Wednesday night. But he is expected to leave for Dubai after the game to spend time with his wife Toni and coach Carlo Ancelotti confirmed Terry will be given time off should he ask for it.
"We have spoken and we will take the decision together after the Everton game to see if he needs to rest two days or if he wants to stay here and play against Cardiff," said Ancelotti. "He has not asked for any time off to see his wife. My preference is what he wants. I am totally supportive of him. We will make the decision together."
He added: "We want to respect the FA Cup because it is an important trophy in this country so we will speak after the game against Everton and make the decision, the right one for us both.
"The FA Cup and John's marriage are different; FA Cup is professional, the other thing is private."
On the pitch Ancelotti is hoping Chelsea's defending will mot be as sloppy as it was in their last meeting with Everton. The Toffees drew 3-3 at Stamford Bridge in December when some of Chelsea's set-piece defending was inept to say the least.
But Ancelotti believes Wednesday's clash with Everton and Manchester United's game against Aston Villa could, if results go his way, prove to be a turning point in the season.
"The Everton game at home was strange because we conceded three goals from set pieces, but we played very well," Ancelotti said.
"Tomorrow (Wednesday) will be a different game but we need to win. We need to maintain our position at the top of the league but it will not be easy. They are playing very well but lost their last game to Liverpool, so we have to pay attention.
"It could be an important night in the Premier League. We play Everton and Manchester United play Aston Villa."
