Di Matteo undecided on Cech surgery

Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo says a decision is still yet to be made on whether goalkeeper Petr Cech will require an elbow operation.

The Czech Republic’s team doctor claimed that the 30-year-old will need to have a surgical procedure done to heal a long-term problem.

Cech has been given permission to be omitted from all international friendlies for the near future, and his club coach is keeping a close eye on the condition of his goalkeeper.

“Petr’s problem is an issue we’ve been managing. It’s not decided yet whether he’ll need anything done,” Di Matteo said.

“It’s something he’s been playing with some period now and it’s not an issue now.

“If he stays without pain, it’s very possible he’ll just play on like that.

“If not, the medical department in conjunction with the player will make a decision.”

After sitting out of his national side’s friendly against Finland, Cech will be raring to go for Chelsea’s trip to Loftus Road for their Premier League game against Queens Park Rangers.

Meanwhile, Di Matteo said he was unsure if Florent Malouda would play for the team again.

Malouda was unable to secure a transfer away from west London and has been training with the Under-21s as a result. However, Di Matteo insists that the this situation is very different to what happened last year under Andre Villas-Boas, when Nicolas Anelka and Alex were forced to train separately.

“They have accepted the decision that has been made by us, and they’re just going to focus on their targets for this season,” Di Matteo said.

“Over the past, there’s been some expression of the player to part company, but it hasn’t happened.

“So we’ve moved forward, brought in other players and they’re the ones we’re going to work with this season.

“It was a combined decision between me and the club. It’s obviously not an extremely positive message or decision for him, but I guess, at the end, we have to look after our own interests and that’s the decision we’ve taken.”

When asked if Malouda will ever appear for the first team again, Di Matteo added: “I don’t know, only the future will tell. But he’s with the Under-21s.

“The transfer window doesn’t open again until January.”