Benitez: I hope Cech can return in 2-3 weeks

Rafa Benitez has tweeted that he hopes to see Chelsea’s Petr Cech return to action in the next 2-3 weeks.

Cech was substituted half-way through the Everton game, after sustaining an injury while jumping for the ball, being replaced by Ross Turnball.

The Czech international underwent tests on his groin injury on Monday, and the only report on his injury came from Rafa Benitez’s club tweet.

Rafa tweeted: “Two or three weeks. We are quite optimistic.”

Chelsea will be hoping their No.1 could return for their Premier League tie against Arsenal on January 20, but a more realistic target would be the January 23 second leg of the Capitol One Cup semi-final, away to Swansea City.

He is set to miss the home leg next Wednesday, as well as the FA Cup 3rd round tie at St Mary’s on Saturday and the tough Premier League tie, away to Stoke city.

Ross Turnball appeared in only his sixth Premier League game for Chelsea in last night’a 1-0 defeat to QPR, and is expected to play in Cech’s absence.

Chelsea also have Thibaut Courtois out on-loan at Athletico Madrid, and had the injured keeper been expected out for longer, the Belgian would likely have been recalled.

The 20 year-old keeper is currently being courted by Barcelona, but Chelsea are keen to keep hold of the highly rated youngster. Chelsea are expected to bring the player back to Stamford Bridge in the summer in the hope he can fight Cech for the no.1 jersey.

Petr Cech has been awesome for Chelsea over the years, and excelled in last years Champions League finals. We can survive for 2-3 weeks without him… Surely?