That’s according to The Times, who say the 35-year-old has picked up a second ankle injury in the space of just six weeks.
Terry started the Blues’ first four Premier League games of the season having signed a fresh one-year deal this summer.
But he has not featured under Antonio Conte since the five-time top flight champions travelled to Swansea on September 11.
The former England international suffered an ankle problem in the closing stages of his team’s visit to the Liberty Stadium.
And that issue has seen Conte shuffle his pack defensively.
With Terry set to sit out Jose Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge on Sunday, the former Juventus manager will probably be forced to name Cesar Azpilicueta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill at the back if he chooses to continue with a 3-4-3 formation.
Terry’s condition will reportedly be assessed today.
But he is unlikely to be risked in a game which could prove pivotal in the title race - even at this early stage of the campaign.
Chelsea head into the clash against United fifth in the table, two points better off than their old foes.