Cech scans confirm bruising

Scans completed on Chelsea's Petr Cech today confirmed painful bruising but the club were not willing to rule him out of the Christmas action.

An innocuous collision with striker Roque Santa Cruz in yesterday’s 1-0 victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park led to Cech requiring lengthy treatment, and although he played on for another 11 minutes, it was obvious he was in too much pain to continue.

A brief statement on the club’s official website said: “Scans have shown bruising around Petr’s hip and side.

“We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days and hope to have him back playing as soon as possible.”

As for Cudicini, the club added: “Carlo also continues to make good progress from his rib injury and, again, we hope to have him available again as soon as possible.”