The distraught Blues captain is due to undergo an MRI scan after leaving Stamford Bridge on crutches and with a brace on his right knee following Sunday's 1-1 Barclays Premier League draw with Liverpool.
Terry was left writhing in distress 10 minutes before half-time after Luis Suarez fell on his leg following an accidental collision between the pair. Following almost five minutes' treatment, he was carried off on a stretcher with his head in his hands and was attended to by club medics before being allowed home.
Sunday's match was the 31-year-old's first domestic appearance since his four-match racism ban. He could face much longer than that on the sidelines if the injury to the same knee he had surgery on in February turns out to be serious.
Manager Roberto Di Matteo said: "We have to wait until tomorrow for his MRI scan to understand the full extent. When a player reacts like that, it's a concern. He's in pain now. He'll go to hospital tomorrow for a scan. We hope it's not a serious injury, but we'll see."
Terry was consoled by Di Matteo before disappearing down the tunnel. "I was concerned about his well-being," the Italian added. "We just got him back into the team after the ban. It was great seeing him out there."
Indeed, the defender had been enjoying a dream return to action when he powered the European champions ahead from a corner after 20 minutes.
Di Matteo said: "He started the game very well, showing the qualities he has, and the experience and influence. It's a real shame he had to come off as he was having a very good game."
Chelsea badly missed Terry during his ban and they struggled defensively after he went off, allowing Suarez to snatch a draw. To compound matters, Ashley Cole was already sidelined with a hamstring problem and David Luiz was out with tonsilitis.
Midfielder Frank Lampard was also still missing with a calf problem, but Di Matteo added: "Lamps, it might be a bit too early, but he won't be long after that."
Source: PA
Source: PA