Cech given the all clear

Soccer:Andre Villas-Boas is confident Chelsea have avoided a goalkeeping crisis, despite Petr Cech needing hospital treatment after last night's dramatic Carling Cup victory over Fulham. Cech was forced off at half-time after suffering a head injury in a collision with Orlando Sa.

Chelsea are already without understudy Hilario, meaning losing Cech left them with Ross Turnbull as their only recognised first-team goalkeeper. But after Turnbull helped his side to a controversial 4-3 penalty shootout win, Blues boss Villas-Boas revealed Cech had been given the all clear.

"Petr went for a scan in the hospital and he's okay," he said. "He felt a little bit dizzy from the early concussion at half-time. We decided, and he decided as well, it was better not to take risks."

Cech could be forgiven for playing it safe. The 29-year-old became the first high-profile goalkeeper to wear protective headgear in all matches after suffering a fractured skull in a collision with Stephen Hunt at Reading five years ago.

He also watched team-mate Didier Drogba knocked clean out by Norwich goalkeeper John Ruddy almost four weeks ago, with the striker only fit enough for a place on the bench last night.

Villas-Boas had planned to bring Drogba on but was forced to think again, with Cech's injury part of a triple blow for Chelsea either side of half-time. The first befell Daniel Sturridge, who hurt himself netting a disallowed goal shortly before the break.

Revealing the striker had a knee problem, Villas-Boas added: "The ligaments are okay. If he misses one (game), it won't be more than that."