Posts Tagged ‘Petr Cech Injury’

Petr Cech – Back in the Hunt for Title of Best Goalkeeper in the World

Petr Cech signed for Chelsea in 2004, after two seasons he was arguably one of the best goalkeeper’s in the world.

However in October 2006 Cech was injured in a collision with Stephen Hunt that nearly cost him his life and kept him out the game for three months with a depressed skull fracture.

The arguments of whether the injury was deliberate are not are for a different day but initially there were fears that he would never play again. Indeed when he did return in the January of 2007 against Liverpool he did so wearing the now infamous head gear that he wears in every match to this day.

The injury however had longer reaching effects than an injury layoff and protective headgear, whilst still a talented performer, the injury seemed to affect the goalkeepers confidence, particularly when collecting crosses or challenging in the air.

The confidence that had catapulted the Chelsea star to international fame, now seemed to allude him and at times he looked vulnerable and not the rock that the fans had become accustomed to.

Performances were not what they were, but the Chelsea faithful and successive managers kept their faith in the Czech shot stopper, who despite a drop in performance was still a top class performer.  Last season he won the golden gloves in the league so despite not being his best he was still the best in the league.

This faith however has been rewarded in the last six months we have seen the return of the greatest goalkeeper in the world at Stamford Bridge.

It has taken two years of relative mediocrity (compared to his previous best), but at the back end of last season where he was instrumental in our double and this season where he has conceded fewer goals than any other goalkeeper in the league with some sparkling displays playing a large role in our successes over Arsenal, Wolves and Blackburn.

He is confident in the air and does not duck a challenges and it seems that the incident with Stephen Hunt is now behind him, a distant memory, only rekindled by the Chelsea faithful who carpet the Irishman at every opportunity.

On behalf of Chelsea fans across the world, I would like to say, Petr it’s great to have you back.

Is This The End for Hilario and Turnbull at Chelsea

Has Carlo Ancelotti Lost Faith in Hilario?

After some poor pre-season goalkeeping displays, it would not surprise me if Carlo Ancelotti has lost faith in his two back up options Ross Turnbull and Henrique Hilario.

A series of gaffes by both goalkeepers has left the Italian with a selection headache he could do without as Chelsea seek to retain their title.

The current transfer rumour is that former Portsmouth number 2 and Tottenham target Begovic will be coming to Stamford Bridge from Stoke to shore up what is normally one of the strongest areas of the Chelsea line up. [guardian article]

If as the rumours suggest, Ancelotti is now looking to bolster his options then surely this will mean the end of Henrique Hilario and possibly Ross Turnbull’s ambitions at the club.

Whilst being understudy to one of the top goalkeepers in the World is nothing to be embarrassed about, if you are unable to inspire confidence to cover 3 or 4 games a season, then as footballers these players must be wondering why they bother.

Sure not having any work to do and earning a large wage on the bench may suit some (infact to many this has been Hilario’s Chelsea career), yet if there is no possibility of breaking into the team, even as a back up, then you should be looking for a lower level to play your football and at least get games.

Sad but true it appears that Hilarious and Turnbull just aren’t making the grade despite some decent covering moments from Hilario at least in the past.

If the confidence is gone, the question is who should be Chelsea’s number two?

For the latest transfer news go to UptheChels.com

Petr Cech Out For A Month – Who Will Deputise?

Will Henrique Hilario be up to the job of deputising for Petr Cech?

The BBC has today reported that Petr Cech has been ruled out for one month with a torn muscle. This rules our number one out from the rest of pre-season and makes him a doubt for the first Premier League game of the season on the 14th of August.

Ross Turnbull and Henrique Hilario will now battle it out in pre-season for a position between the sticks at the Charity Shield and beyond, having put in some decent covering shifts last season, Henrique Hilario will be the favourite with Turnbull chomping at the bit to oust him.

Hopefully Petr Cech’s injury will not be too severe and the impact will be negligible, but in the meantime Carlo Ancelotti will have to decide who will deputise.

Let us know your choice of deputy be leaving a comment below.