UEFA CHAMPIONS LEAGUE PREVIEW Chelsea (1) v Fenerbahce (2):FOR PETR CECH, the timing was almost as sickening as the injury itself. The Chelsea goalkeeper had proved his fitness in Sunday's training session and even surprised his team-mates with the sharpness of his reflexes, having not played a first-team match since the beginning of last month because of an ankle injury.
Then, in an accidental collision with the defender Tal Ben-Haim following a corner at the very end of the session, he was left with such severe lacerations to his lip and chin that he was taken to hospital for an operation. He had 50 stitches inserted, 30 at the deepest point of the cut, and also required plastic surgery to guard against any longer-term damage.
Cech is no stranger to head injuries, having fractured his skull in horrific fashion last season, after a coming together with the Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt, but this time out he has been undermined by different problems. First, it was his calf in November, which sidelined him for five games; then, hip and thigh injuries around Christmas and the New Year kept him out for another four.
The ankle problem had him cursing his luck and Avram Grant, the manager, rather stated the obvious as he prepared to persist with Carlo Cudicini in tonight's Champions League quarter-final second-leg with Fenerbahce at Stamford Bridge, with the Turkish champions 2-1 up from the first leg in Istanbul.
"Petr has been a bit unlucky this season," said a characteristically deadpan Grant. "He was great in training but sometimes it happens. It was a tackle between two players and I think he will be out for two weeks."
That seems a conservative estimate. Snow had fallen at Chelsea's training ground and Cech's blood provided a vivid contrast. Yet despite the setback, and another one last night when Michael Essien hurt his back in training which makes him a doubt to start the game, the mood at the club is bullish. Grant has made great play of having had to constantly chase other teams since he succeeded Jose Mourinho last September. He must do so against Fenerbahce, after defensive lapses last week offered the team managed by Zico a route back into the tie from a 1-0 deficit.
Chelsea, though, have overhauled everyone bar Manchester United in the Premier League and optimism surged after the defending champions' surprise draw at Middlesbrough on Sunday.
Rather abruptly, the deficit now stands at only three points and Chelsea are mindful that United have still to visit Stamford Bridge on April 26th.
There is confidence, too, that United will not be the only rivals reeled in. "We have a strong team and a lot of experience in this team," said the midfielder Michael Ballack. "We know this situation. We go into a quarter-final and we have to win; we have done this in the past. I have confidence that we will win. The Premier League is a different competition but, of course, United's draw was a good result. It means we are in a good position in the league."
This tie will provide a tactical conundrum for Grant. Chelsea must score but they cannot leave themselves open against a team that bristles with attacking intent. Concentration will be paramount and the mistakes of Istanbul must not be repeated.
Grant says that he continues to deal with the precariousness of his professional existence. A slip tonight would seriously damage his prospects yet he presented a serene front when asked about his determination "not to rest" until he had guided Chelsea to the Champions League final.
"That is the target and I will do everything to reach it," he said.
Guardian Service
Venue: Stamford Bridge Kick-off: 7.45
On TV: Setanta Ireland
