Unfortunately, the career of Chelsea great John Terry has seemingly come an end, at least at Stamford Bridge anyhow.

The former England captain has barely featured for the Blues this season under new boss Antonio Conte, having fallen down the pecking order and behind Chelsea's three main men at the back: Cesar Azpiliceuta, David Luiz and Gary Cahill. The returning Kurt Zouma only adds to the issue, too.

When Terry has made cameo appearances - only eight in total all season thus far - he hasn't managed to have his usual impact, with his performances often coming under criticism - none more than in the recent win against Walsall where he was sent off for a rash challenge. He hasn't even managed a goal, which is very unlike the man who has scored a whopping 66 times for the Blues during his career at the Bridge.

A man of Terry's importance and, of course, ability is not an easy one to replace, however. Some would say it isn't even possible.

Yet, could the Blues turn to one of these FIVE as the long-term successor to their beloved former boot boy?

Andreas Christensen

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On loan at Bundesliga side Borussia Monchengladbach, Andreas Christensen has been nothing short of terrific for Die Fohlen, as they are known in Germany.

The Denmark international was a key figure for the side who finished in an impressive 4th place last year, managing once again to qualify for the Champions League - he played 39 times and added three goals to boot. While his personal performances may not have dropped this term, Gladbach are undoubtedly struggling this time out and sit 14th, so it could be time for the Blues to give him his shot at the Bridge before his confidence is knocked.

Virgil Van Dijk

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Heavily linked with a move to Stamford Bridge this winter, Southampton's main man at the back is a wanted player.

Liverpool, Manchester United and Manchester City are just a few of the other teams supposedly also interested in securing the services of the highly rated Dutchman and it seems Southampton will have a big job on their hands to keep hold of him. The epitome of the modern day centre-back, Van Dijk is both commanding physically and excellent on the ball, as Dutch players so often are.

He may cost a fair whack at an estimated £50m+, but Chelsea would certainly be signing high-class defender who will only continue to improve under Antonio Conte.

Kurt Zouma

The stand-out defender for Chelsea last season before his horrific injury, young Kurt Zouma was terrific as he made 32 appearances in all competitions for the Blues.

While it may not seem an achievement to be a top performer for a club that finished a poor 10th place, the Frenchman showed a level of maturity far beyond his years and often took the reigns when the rest of the side looked down and out with his excellent leadership skills and, of course, defensive grit.

Chelsea fans will be pleased to see him return, and whether or not he is the next Terry, he certainly has a fruitful future in London.

Jake Clarke-Salter

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John Terry himself hailed this lad as his successor only last year after his terrific performances for the club's youth sides and a cameo first team appearances.

It did seem that the youngster may be given his chance this year, but this is, of course, Chelsea we are talking about it, and instead they loaned him out to Bristol Rovers. He had a mightily good start to the season, but he fractured his arm back in November and has been out since.

Definitely one for the future.

Nobody

How can you replace a centre-half that has been at the club just shy of two decades and has made over 700 appearances in a glittering career?

The real answer is you can't. Perhaps the best thing to do is for Chelsea to accept that their captain, leader and legend's time has now indeed passed and instead of look for his replacement, look the future instead. Liverpool made that mistake with Steven Gerrard, and now they have seemingly let go of the idea of replacing him, they have found a new lease of life.