CECH MISSING

Chelsea have been dealt a major blow with the news that the Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech will be missing for the next three weeks after fracturing his finger in recent 3-2 defeat at the hands of Newcastle United. Petr Cech is recognised as one of the best goalkeepers in the world. He was instrumental in helping the club win the Champions league last season. The manager of the Czech Republic national team, Bilek will also have to do without the player for the friendly match against Turkey. Czech Republic won their last friendly match against Slovakia 3-0, which gives them the ability to be without Petr Cech due to the low pressure on the players.

Cech returned to first-team action only recently after missing a few weeks due to an injury. The goalkeeper has revealed that he had suffered a small fracture in his little finger after his hand came in contact with a Newcastle player’s head while trying to play the ball. Chelsea will be taking on Wigan after the midweek round of international fixtures, while the Europa league action will be resuming next week. The Chelsea manager Rafa Benitez is under a lot of pressure after this latest defeat, which has left the team just one point clear of Tottenham.

“I punched the ball and the head of one of Newcastle players at the same time. I thought it was nothing but went for an x-ray just in case. However, it showed there was a fracture. [Involvement in the first leg in Prague] will depend on whether we find a solution where it would not threaten my health and, at the same time, I would be able to perform adequately,” said Petr Cech after the Newcastle match. Czech Republic will have World Cup qualifying matches against Denmark and Armenia in March.