Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho has claimed captain John Terry is still some weeks away from a first-team return as he attempts to recover from a back injury.

England skipper Terry had hoped to return to the starting line-up for Saturday's Premiership clash with Wigan as the champions aim to get back to winning ways following three successive league draws.

But after last night's disappointing 1-1 draw at England League Two club Wycombe in their Carling Cup semi-final first leg, Mourinho indicated that Terry would still be sidelined for some time.

"John had surgery, he is recovering from that, but he is not ready yet," Mourinho said. "We have a lot of problems, because Ashley Cole and Claude Makelele face suspensions, and I do not see Terry back.

"There is no timescale on John. The only thing I know for sure is that he will not play against Wigan on Saturday. I am not a doctor. John is not fit to train with the group. He is not in my collective sessions yet, so he is out for the weekend."

Mourinho hopes to be able to welcome back Dutch winger Arjen Robben for the visit of Paul Jewell's team, but is still without midfielder Joe Cole as well as goalkeepers Petr Cech and Carlo Cudicini, while Ashley Cole misses out through suspension.

Mourinho also revealed his frustration at his limited options - but claimed he would not be strengthening his squad in the transfer window.

Asked whether he had identified players he would like to sign - but had been told they would not be arriving -  Mourinho responded: "Yes, that is the situation. I do not have to tell you the reason. They are club reasons. This is our situation at the moment. I hear nobody is coming in, and if nobody is coming in, nobody can leave.

"I cannot let a player go, even if he is a player I think should go, because we are very short of options and numbers. It is not choice - it is not my club. I am just the manager."