Chelsea star revealed to be playing with injury

The Czech Republic say they have reached an agreement with Chelsea not to play Cech in friendly fixtures, so as not to aggravate his injury.

Doctor Petr Krejci says the 30-year-old should be able to play out the rest of the season with Roberto Di Matteo’s side, despite the problem.

“An investigation showed a bit of ossification in his elbow, so [Chelsea] are planning a surgery in England after the season,” Krejci told CTK.

“They have very kindly asked us if we could rest him in friendly fixtures.

“We have come to an agreement with coach Michal Bilek and decided to be on good terms with Chelsea.

“Petr cannot stretch the arm properly. If he has to stretch the elbow, it hurts him sometimes.

“There is nothing to be worried about, though. There is basically nothing that could make this problem worse.

“The only thing that could force an immediate surgery is if the intensity of pain would get much higher or if the elbow was blocked in some way.”