Chelsea boss Luiz Felipe Scolari has defended his selection of John Terry for their 5-0 win at Middlesbrough on Saturday.

The defender missed England's two World Cup qualifying games against Kazakhstan and Belarus because of a back injury, which managed to clear up in time to play only days later at the Riverside.

But Scolari is adamant there was no skullduggery involved in Terry's inclusion against Boro.

The Brazilian coach also rejected suggestions Terry's problem might ultimately require surgery to alleviate it for good.

"He might have more specific exercises for this problem but I do not think it requires surgery," said Scolari.

"He was not fit enough to play for the national team but after a period of rest he could play.

"I did not speak with the England coach about him. John has played in 14 games for Chelsea and four for the national team. He has missed one or two games this season so far and that is normal.

"I am a big fan of John Terry - he is a very good captain and a good man. He sometimes plays in pain but he is the kind of captain I want.

"All the players in the world want to play for their national team, but some coaches are crazy wondering why a player cannot play after two days with an injury, and then being able to play a few days later for their club."