Chelsea keeper Cech sidelined for a month

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is likely to miss the start of the Premier League season after suffering a calf injury in training.

Cech tore a calf muscle in his right leg on Tuesday and the Premier League champions have now confirmed he will be sidelined for up to a month.

That means the Czech Republic international seems certain to miss Chelsea’s opening league match against West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge on August 14 and possibly the trip to Wigan a week later.

The 28-year-old, who sustained a similar injury which kept him out for a month last season, will also miss the Community Shield clash against Manchester United at Wembley on August 8 and the rest of Chelsea’s pre-season preparations, which includes friendlies against Ajax and Hamburg.

“Scans have shown Petr Cech has torn a calf muscle in his right leg and the goalkeeper is expected to be out for a month,” a statement on Chelsea’s website read.

“He suffered the injury yesterday (Tuesday) in training and is now expected to miss the start of our competitive season, as well as the remainder of our pre-season friendlies.”

Cech’s absence is a major blow to Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti as his team start their title defence.

Ancelotti will turn to either veteran Portuguese keeper Hilario or Ross Turnbull to deputise for Cech.