Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is fully conscious and his condition is improving following surgery on his fractured skull, the club said in a statement tonight.

"He is now fully conscious following the operation and the effects of the anaesthetic. He is communicating and talking with his wife Martina as well as the Chelsea and hospital medical teams who have now given permission for visitors," the club said.
   
"Several members of the Chelsea management and team including Jose Mourinho and John Terry visited him this afternoon, while Carlo Cudicini was at the training ground today."
   
The 24-year-old Czech international goalkeeper underwent surgery yesterday after being caught in the head by the knee of Reading player Stephen Hunt during Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win over Reading at the Madejski Stadium.
   
His replacement Carlo Cudicini was also knocked out late in the game but resumed light training today.
   
Third choice keeper Hilario is in line for his debut in Wednesday's Champions League game against Barcelona.
   
Hunt said today that he had written to Cech wishing him a quick recovery and was adamant the collision in the opening minute was accidental.
   
"I can guarantee that I did not attempt to injure Petr and I am very upset that the collision has resulted in such a bad injury," he said. "It was very early on in the game. I just thought I could win the ball and went in for it and our momentum took us into each other.
   
"I think the TV pictures show that the collision was a complete accident and I'd like to think that my team mates and opponents throughout my career in football would say that I'm not the kind of person to deliberately hurt an opponent."
   
Reading also issued a statement in support of Hunt: "We firmly believe that the collision was an unavoidable accident, a view which is supported virtually without exception by independent media observers," the club said.
   
"We respect the right of Chelsea to ask the FA to review the incident and we would fully co-operate with any inquiry that may take place. We have nothing to hide and believe that all the evidence fully vindicates Stephen Hunt."