Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has been sidelined for up to three weeks with a groin muscle injury admitted Chelsea interim manager Rafael Benitez. The Blues are currently unsure how long Cech will be kept out for, with further tests needed to determine the recovery period.
Chelsea rocked by Petr Cech injury
“Cech is out for two or three weeks. But we are optimistic. I don’t know how long, but two or three weeks could be the time.” Benitez provided a medical update of his goalkeeper in a club tweet.
The goalkeeper was forced off after half-time on the occasion of his 400th Chelsea appearance and was replaced by Ross Turnbull during Chelsea’s 2-1 victory over Everton at Goodison Park on Sunday.
“I think it was in 40th minute when I was punching the ball away and when I jumped I felt pain in my right groin,” Cech said after the game.
“I finished the half knowing I would not be able to continue after the break. We will see how serious it is. We will know more after the medical check.”
The shot-stopper on his 400th appearance for Chelsea said, “It got a little ruined because of the injury but I did help the team a several times during the first half.”
“We won a game that hadn’t started well for us. Also the fact that we acquired three points is far more important than the fact that I pulled my groin.” said Petr Cech.
Petr Cech is likely to miss Chelsea’s league game at Stoke, and possibly the visit of Arsenal says Rafael Benitez.
Chelsea have been dealt a huge blow in the title race with goalkeeper Petr Cech sidelined by a injury and Chelsea’s back-up keepers, Turnbull and Henrique Hilario unsuitable to replace Cech over a long period of time.
The club have highly-rated Belgian stopper Thibaut Courtois on loan at Atletico Madrid and if Cech’s injury proves to be severe they could recall him.
Courtois is likely to fight for the No. 1 shirt at Chelsea next season with both Turnbull and Hilario making way.
Tags: Blues, Chelsea, EPL, Goalkeeper, Petr Cech, Premier League, Rafael Benitez
