Cech boost for Chelsea

As Chelsea continue their pursuit of Bolton striker Nicolas Anelka, there could be a welcome boost for manager Avram Grant at the other end of the pitch with the return of goalkeeper Petr Cech for Saturday’s showdown against Tottenham.

Grant is in need of reinforcements in attack given Ivory Coast duo Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou are on international duty at the African Nations’ Cup, and Andriy Shevchenko is still sidelined with a leg injury.

Israeli youngster Ben Sahar, who was on the bench against Everton in the midweek Carling Cup tie, could come into contention.

A deal for the ex-Arsenal and Real Madrid striker Anelka remains on the cards but may be held up by Bolton’s determination to secure a fee of around £15m.

Grant, though, could well be able to call on Cech for the first time since Boxing Day after the Czech international joined up with the rest of the squad’s training session yesterday.

“It is one of worst things for a footballer, to watch from the sidelines, and it is quite frustrating,” the 25-year-old told Chelsea TV.

“But I have been quite patient, professional and always give 100% in what I am told to do. Recently I have been training hard, returning to fitness and the injury reacted very well, so hopefully I am on the way back.

“There is always the possibility to play now again, but I have to first train with the team and see how I am in terms of fitness, but if all goes well I am still positive there is a good chance I could play against Tottenham.”

Cech, who has also been troubled by his wisdom teeth, added: “The Christmas games are a really important period, so it is not nice when you start the new year with an injury.

“I hope that I have got all this not really positive things at the beginning of the year and that I will stay fit for the rest of the year.”

Anelka’s advisor Doug Pingisi, meanwhile, claims his client has sights set on Stamford Bridge.

“He really wants to go to Chelsea,” Pingisi said. “Nicolas is calm. He hopes that everything will be finalised this week.

“He has been waiting for such an opportunity for years. He appreciates the fact that he is at the top of the list of players wanted by Chelsea at the moment.

“For Nico, it is very important he finds a club that will allow him to express himself at the highest level.”

Despite the absence several key players – as well as Cech, and England duo John Terry and Frank Lampard – Chelsea have secured four straight wins since the 4-4 draw with Aston Villa on St Stephen's Day and are six points behind leaders Arsenal.

Lampard did some light training at Cobham yesterday as his rehabilitation from a thigh injury continued, but is still some way from a first-team return.