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Cech could wear mask to play against Wigan, Grant says

14/04/2008

Chelsea manager Avram Grant has claimed first-choice goalkeeper Petr Cech may play in a special face mask against Wigan Athletic this evening.

The Czech Republic international has been sidelined since early March after suffering an ankle injury.

But his comeback earlier this month was delayed after he collided with team-mate Tal Ben Haim in training and required 50 stitches in his chin and lip.

The club's medical experts have been reluctant to set a time limit on Cech's recovery period.

However, the Blues manager has confirmed the highly-rated stopper has taken part in light training in the last few days and may be allowed to take the field wearing a protective mask, in addition to the scrum cap he currently wears after suffering a fractured skull last season.

"He is improving, we have tested a mask for him," Grant told the Chelsea website.

"We need to go again with him, and in a way he is training. In one training he wore a mask, one he was without. We are checking all the possibilities with him."

Despite raising the prospect of Cech playing ahead of third-choice custodian Hilario, who is covering for injured back-up Carlo Cudicini, Grant said the chances are "not so good".

"I think for the moment it is a risk, but I am not a doctor," he added.