John Terry played 45 minutes for Chelsea’s Under-21 side last night as he continues his comeback from a knee injury.

The Chelsea club captain has missed 16 first-team games since suffering knee ligament damage against Liverpool on November 11th but he started the local derby against Fulham at the club’s Cobham training ground.

With interim manager Rafael Benitez watching on from the stands, Terry had an early scare when his mistake almost let in Fulham, but otherwise he was rarely troubled in a calm and composed performance before being replaced at half-time following a goalless first half.

The 32-year-old former England skipper showed no obvious physical problems on his comeback appearance to give Benitez a timely boost following Wednesday night’s League Cup semi-final defeat to Swansea at Stamford Bridge. Chelsea face a tricky trip to Stoke this weekend.