Terry fears he will be unable to play for months due to a long-term nerve injury. -AP Photo

LONDON: John Terry says the back injury that has ruled him out of England’s friendly against France could keep him out for months.

The defender missed Chelsea’s 3-0 Premier League defeat to Sunderland at the weekend because of a nerve problem that he has carried since last season.

The Chelsea captain says he will also miss Saturday’s match against Birmingham and that his absence “could be weeks, it could be months.”

Terry added that his injury “is at a point where I cannot carry on with it.”

British daily The Sun said Terry may travel to Italy for treatment from a specialist recommended by Chelsea manager Carlo Ancelotti.

The home defeat to Sunderland reduced Chelsea’s lead at the top of the Premier League to two points.