Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has rejected suggestions he might be ruled out for the season and Euro 2008, saying he is aiming to return for the title-clash with Manchester United.

Cech underwent surgery to his lips and chin following a training collision with team-mate Tal Ben Haim and there is a possibility that he could play within the fortnight wearing a protective mask in addition to existing headgear.

The Czech Republic international was reported to have had 50 stitches in the wounds, with widespread reports suggesting the injury could sideline him for the remainder of the season and possibly Euro 2008.

But Cech has rubbished the rumours, and believes he could be back in action in as little as two weeks - in time for the top-of-the-table clash at Stamford Bridge.

"I might possibly be back in two weeks. It depends on what the plastic surgeon will say to me," Cech told Idnes in his homeland. "I believe we will soon find a way of protection to allow me to return to training. Then everything will depend only on me.

"It is all about finding a solution to prevent a further tearing of the wound. But I believe that it will be sorted out and I will return to action as soon as possible. Doctors are positive as well, it should not be a big problem."

Cech - who currently wears a rugby-style protective cap following a skull fracture last season - is unaware of how many stitches he required after the collision.

"I don't know how many of them are there," added Cech. "During the two-hour surgery I was sleeping and afterwards I did not ask anyone.

"It is important for me to see the result. And it is much better than when it happened. The plastic surgeon did a great job."

Recalling the incident, Cech admitted it was just unfortunate, as he was closing in on a return to fitness after an ankle problem.

"It was simply bad luck, in training there are fifty such situations," noted Cech.

"It is a little bit frustrating as I was ready for a game and now this comes.

"Hopefully, I have all the bad luck behind me and everything will be okay for some time on."

TeamTalk / Eurosport