Chelsea suffered an early blow in the first leg of the UEFA Champions League semifinal. No, it wasn't a opening strike from Atletico Madrid. An awkward landing from goalkeeper Petr Cech forced the Czech footballer to exit the match in the 18th minute.
Injured Petr Cech! https://t.co/EUO9AUjWqg
— Football Vines (@FootballVines) April 22, 2014
Spanish physio Eva Carneiro immediately signaled for a substitution following her evaulation. Early reports from the club in regard to the status and severity of his injury is that Cech suffered a discolated shoulder. He will likely miss the return leg in Stamford Bridge.
The 31-year-old was the victim of a nasty collision with Madrid midfielder Raul Garcia during a corner-kick. Cech, who played in 102 Champions League matches entering today, would be upended and forcefully land on his shoulder.
His replacement, Mark Schwarzer, has only made one Premier League start this season. At 41-years-old, Schwarzer became the oldest player to ever feature in the knockout rounds of the Champions League. He will be tested in the second leg should Cech be unable to recover in time.
There are, however, deeper implications.
With Chelsea scheduled to visit Liverpool this weekend, the Blues will now be forced to face the most potent and predatory attack in English football with a keeper who's seen next to no action for a majority of the year. Chelsea sit three points behind Liverpool. Anything but a full three points will see their Premier League title hopes fade.
Will Petr Cech's injury cost Chelsea advancement to the UEFA Champions League final and a domestic crown? Tell us @SportsWN
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