FOOTBALL : Petr Cech will return for Chelsea against Bolton on Saturday relieved that reserve goalkeeper Hilario is recovering from his nasty head injury.
Petr Cech will return for Chelsea against Bolton on Saturday relieved that reserve goalkeeper Hilario is recovering from his nasty head injury.
Hilario started Chelsea’s 4-0 victory over Bolton in the fourth round of the Carling Cup on Wednesday night but was forced out of action in the first-half through concussion. Goalkeeper Cech, who still wears protective head gear after fracturing his skull against Reading in 2006, visited Hilario at his home while he was recovering from the injury.
Cech said: “I enjoyed my day off but then not so much the game because when your fellow goalkeeper and friend is injured in the game, especially on the head – it is not pleasing to see.”
He continued: “I went to see him at home but he was already feeling better. Of course it may take a few days but he felt fine and there is no major injury.”
Cech was also pleased with the performance of a Chelsea side full of fringe players and cheered by third-choice goalkeeper Ross Turnbull’s performance when he replaced Hilario.
Turnbull, who signed a four-year deal after joining on a free transfer from Middlesbrough last summer, suffered a terrible debut for the reserves when he made a number of errors in a 4-0 defeat to Aston Villa in August.
So Cech was delighted to see the 24-year-old keep a clean sheet after coming on in difficult circumstances against Wanderers.
“I enjoyed the performance of the players against Bolton and a clean sheet is very good,” added Cech.
“Hilario made a very important save when he was injured, and when Ross came in it was good to see him playing well with confidence.”
