I can't believe Petr is this close to first team action again (in fact, I don't know how close he is but the signs are that he might even start against Liverpool, provided the FA allow him to play with the protective headgear on)!

It is simply astounding that (a) he's recovered so quickly, or (B) that we'd risk it if he weren't. But probably no one has a better idea about this than Cech himself, and he seems to be very determined to play again this season.

For me, my heart will be in my mouth at the first instant that he dives into a group of players to try and win the ball (and probably everytime afterwards at decreasing intensities until he shows us he's really over the injury).

I'm also worried about what the injury may have done to his reaction times and decision-making. In short, I wonder if we'll see the same Petr out there. I really hope we do. He is definitely the best goal keeper in the EPL, and quite possibly the world. If he were fully fit, having him back would almost single-handedly sort our defensive problems out. Although Hilario has put in a good performance, considering he is 3rd choice keeper, he is totally non-existent on crosses and free kicks, putting our defenders under a lot of pressure. Having Cech flying about his box plucking crosses and free kicks out of mid-air will certainly make our defenders' lives much easier, and give us extra buffering capacity to absorb the blow of being without JT.

Let's hope for the best.

Cheers,

Butch

I think it would be great to have him and Terry come back at the same time, as John would break legs to make sure no one got near Cech.

However, I am suprised that he is back so soon. When I read the initial reports I felt (albeit maybe an over reaction) that he may never play again, and if he did it wouldn't be until next season.

I am glad he is back, but I really hope he is fully fit. however far behind we may be, and however bad we are missing him, I don't think the backroom staff would allow petr to come back unless he was 100% ready to play. By all accounts he is. I just hope some scouse twa* doesn't go in for a 50-50 and leave their leg in, just to "welcome him back."

Scott

I think we're all surprised, but different bones in different people heal differentlty. Not to mention the true wonder that is modern science - its absolutly wonderful we have access to such affective and, in most cases, ground breaking technology. 10 years ago, he'd be out for the season no question.

I was looking on The Sun's website this morning, and read in Petr's interview that Hunt DID NOT get in contact, visit him in hospital or anything of that nature. That little swine claiming he did, how low can you sink?

I think for a while at least, we'll all be watching CFC games more interested in Cech's health than everything else. The good thing is the Liverpool game is on TV, so we won't have to put up with the lame radio going 'he looks a bit dizzy don't you think' - trying to scare us.

Good post Butch

I was looking on The Sun's website this morning, and read in Petr's interview that Hunt DID NOT get in contact, visit him in hospital or anything of that nature. That little swine claiming he did, how low can you sink?

well, it was in the sun, so...

anyway, i would be really surprised if cech could come back so soon. he just started full trainings. i don't really care when he can play again as long as he's fully recovered. everything else is secondary.

I can't believe Petr is this close to first team action again (in fact, I don't know how close he is but the signs are that he might even start against Liverpool, provided the FA allow him to play with the protective headgear on)!

It is simply astounding that (a) he's recovered so quickly, or (B) that we'd risk it if he weren't. But probably no one has a better idea about this than Cech himself, and he seems to be very determined to play again this season.

For me, my heart will be in my mouth at the first instant that he dives into a group of players to try and win the ball (and probably everytime afterwards at decreasing intensities until he shows us he's really over the injury).

I'm also worried about what the injury may have done to his reaction times and decision-making. In short, I wonder if we'll see the same Petr out there. I really hope we do. He is definitely the best goal keeper in the EPL, and quite possibly the world. If he were fully fit, having him back would almost single-handedly sort our defensive problems out. Although Hilario has put in a good performance, considering he is 3rd choice keeper, he is totally non-existent on crosses and free kicks, putting our defenders under a lot of pressure. Having Cech flying about his box plucking crosses and free kicks out of mid-air will certainly make our defenders' lives much easier, and give us extra buffering capacity to absorb the blow of being without JT.

Let's hope for the best.

Cheers,

Butch

Butch, for me Cech will be the difference between winning and losing tomorrow. Hilario in goal = I don't fancy our chances. Sorry, but I don't rate the bloke at all and I'm bitterly disappointed we didn't have an up and coming youngster at the club who could have come in and done a better job. Speaks volumes about our recent youth policy.

For me Cech IS the best in the world. And not only the best in the world, but also one of the bravest keepers I have ever seen. He is certainly the best keeper this country has seen since Schmiechael.

Before the injury he would throw himself in to any situation. And that is what I fear he may have lost. That fearlessness. Who can blame him if he hesitates to throw himself at a forwards feet going for a 70/30 ball ?

I can't believe Petr is this close to first team action again (in fact, I don't know how close he is but the signs are that he might even start against Liverpool, provided the FA allow him to play with the protective headgear on)!

It is simply astounding that (a) he's recovered so quickly, or (B) that we'd risk it if he weren't. But probably no one has a better idea about this than Cech himself, and he seems to be very determined to play again this season.

For me, my heart will be in my mouth at the first instant that he dives into a group of players to try and win the ball (and probably everytime afterwards at decreasing intensities until he shows us he's really over the injury).

I'm also worried about what the injury may have done to his reaction times and decision-making. In short, I wonder if we'll see the same Petr out there. I really hope we do. He is definitely the best goal keeper in the EPL, and quite possibly the world. If he were fully fit, having him back would almost single-handedly sort our defensive problems out. Although Hilario has put in a good performance, considering he is 3rd choice keeper, he is totally non-existent on crosses and free kicks, putting our defenders under a lot of pressure. Having Cech flying about his box plucking crosses and free kicks out of mid-air will certainly make our defenders' lives much easier, and give us extra buffering capacity to absorb the blow of being without JT.

Let's hope for the best.

Cheers,

Butch

Butch, for me Cech will be the difference between winning and losing tomorrow. Hilario in goal = I don't fancy our chances. Sorry, but I don't rate the bloke at all and I'm bitterly disappointed we didn't have an up and coming youngster at the club who could have come in and done a better job. Speaks volumes about our recent youth policy.

For me Cech IS the best in the world. And not only the best in the world, but also one of the bravest keepers I have ever seen. He is certainly the best keeper this country has seen since Schmiechael.

Before the injury he would throw himself in to any situation. And that is what I fear he may have lost. That fearlessness. Who can blame him if he hesitates to throw himself at a forwards feet going for a 70/30 ball ?

I think the danger might be that he over compensates and actually throws himself in to situations a bit rashly to show he isn't afraid.

He needs to keep his cool and just try and play his normal game.

If there is any doubt about his physical fitness at all we should make him wait longer before selecting him. I know we need him but it's better in the long run if we take things slowly rather than risk further injury or, just as important, loss of confidence.

Butch, for me Cech will be the difference between winning and losing tomorrow. Hilario in goal = I don't fancy our chances. Sorry, but I don't rate the bloke at all and I'm bitterly disappointed we didn't have an up and coming youngster at the club who could have come in and done a better job. Speaks volumes about our recent youth policy

I'm not sure why we let Lenny Pidgeley go. He wasn't at all bad for his age, and I'd certainly have been more confident with him in goal than Hilario. And Rhys Evans wasn't bad either, but he left 2 or 3 years ago without ever making the 1st team.

Seems the way we've done things at Chelsea for quite a while now - bring youngsters through years of preparation, then flog them to the lower league teams before they even get a chance to prove themselves. I'm wondering if the same is gonna happen with the likes of Mancienne, Smith, Sinclair, etc.....

I'm not sure why we let Lenny Pidgeley go. He wasn't at all bad for his age, and I'd certainly have been more confident with him in goal than Hilario.

he was 22. he didn't want to be 3rd choice, he wanted playtime.

I can't believe Petr is this close to first team action again (in fact, I don't know how close he is but the signs are that he might even start against Liverpool, provided the FA allow him to play with the protective headgear on)!

It is simply astounding that (a) he's recovered so quickly, or ( that we'd risk it if he weren't. But probably no one has a better idea about this than Cech himself, and he seems to be very determined to play again this season.

For me, my heart will be in my mouth at the first instant that he dives into a group of players to try and win the ball (and probably everytime afterwards at decreasing intensities until he shows us he's really over the injury).

I'm also worried about what the injury may have done to his reaction times and decision-making. In short, I wonder if we'll see the same Petr out there. I really hope we do. He is definitely the best goal keeper in the EPL, and quite possibly the world. If he were fully fit, having him back would almost single-handedly sort our defensive problems out. Although Hilario has put in a good performance, considering he is 3rd choice keeper, he is totally non-existent on crosses and free kicks, putting our defenders under a lot of pressure. Having Cech flying about his box plucking crosses and free kicks out of mid-air will certainly make our defenders' lives much easier, and give us extra buffering capacity to absorb the blow of being without JT.

Let's hope for the best.

Cheers,

Butch

Im not worried at all to be honest.

If Cech says he's ready, and more importantly the medical staff say he's ready, then i believe that he will be spot on.

They would'nt risk him otherwise.