Chelsea midfielder Michael Ballack says the players are fully behind skipper John Terry.

Terry - sacked as England skipper as the fall-out from allegations about his private life continues - lead by example against Arsenal, his header from a corner setting up Didier Drogba for the opening goal.

The centre-back, however, picked up a dead leg and will be assessed ahead of the trip to Everton on Wednesday night, while it has also been speculated Terry will be given a leave of absence from next weekend's FA Cup tie against Cardiff to deal with off-field issues.

Ballack maintains the team are united behind their captain.

"We can't do more than win games and that is what we have done," the midfielder said. "We are one team and we don't want to speak about the other thing, but the best answer we can give was on the pitch."

He added: "We play for Chelsea and that is our job, which is why we have to win games and that is what we did.

"The team looked confident and settled.

"It is important to win, even in difficult situations - that is always the best answer."