Captain fantastic to second-stringer: John Terry to start Chelsea's cup tie at Walsall

JOHN TERRY is set to drop from playing every minute for Chelsea last season to their second-string cup side this week.

The Blues captain was axed from their 2-0 victory over Arsenal on Saturday, following a string of poor displays to kick off the new term.

He also sat out of Chelsea's Champions League win last week and it appears his Stamford Bridge days are numbered.

Now in the ultimate turn around, Terry will go from an ever present in Chelsea's league winning campaign last season to a Capital One Cup fringe player this.

Boss Jose Mourinho is expected to make wholesale changes for their cup tie against Walsall on Wednesday and Terry will play.

It highlights the major shift in roles for the 34-year-old.

BENCHED: Terry has not enjoyed his season so far

Manchester United flop Radamel Falcao is also expected to start against the League One Saddlers.

As The Mirror report, Mourinho said: "Yes, I (will) play Falcao. Diego goes on the bench."

When asked if Terry would play at Walsall too, the Portuguese manager replied: "Sure, of course."

It looks increasingly likely that this will be Terry's last season in west London as reports continue to circle over a possible move to Fenerbahce.