The Czech Republic could suffer a potential blow ahead of crucial Euro 2012 playoffs against Montenegro next week after goalkeeper Petr Cech hinted he could be sidelined for both matches,
Chelsea keeper Cech suffered a broken nose in the 1-0 win away to Blackburn on Saturday and later announced a flying ban, imposed by doctors, means he will be unable to join up with his national squad as scheduled on Monday.
If doctors give the go-ahead, the 29-year-old keeper will be able to travel home on Wednesday at the earliest -- 48 hours before the first leg playoff on Friday.
"I'm still having nosebleeds and I'm suffering headaches," Cech, who still wears protective headgear six years after suffering a depressed skull fracture in a clash with Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt, told his personal website.
"They are waiting for the swelling to go down before deciding whether to operate immediately or not."
In the event all goes smoothly Cech will have to wear a protective face mask, and that will have to be made in the coming days.
"First of all I will have to test the mask to see how solid it is," added Cech.
"It's crucial that I can play while wearing it."
Source: AFP
Source: AFP