Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech underwent surgery yesterday following a training ground accident that left him with cuts to his lip and chin.

"Petr will begin his rehabilitation immediately and we hope to have him back playing as soon as possible," the Premier League title challengers said in a statement on their website today.

The Czech Republic international has not played since March 1st because of an ankle injury. Italian Carlo Cudicini has stood in for first choice keeper at Stamford Bridge.
   
Last season, Cech was out of action for three months after suffering a fractured skull from a collision with Reading's and Ireland's Stephen Hunt. He now wears a rugby-style protective skull cap whenever he plays.