Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech is only suffering from bruising and could return within days rather than weeks.

Cech came off with a hip injury during the 1-0 win at Blackburn which, coupled with the ongoing recovery of Carlo Cudicini from a rib injury, leaves Chelsea with only one recognised senior shot-stopper, Portuguese keeper Hilario.

"Scans today have shown bruising around Petr's hip and side," Chelsea said in a statement on their website.

"We will continue to monitor the situation over the coming days and hope to have him back playing as soon as possible.

"Carlo Cudicini also continues to make progress from his rib injury and, again, we hope to have him available as soon as possible."

Chelsea's back-up options to Hilario - who is expected to start the Boxing Day and New Year's Day fixtures against Aston Villa and Fulham - are goalkeeping coach Stuart Searle and Welsh teenager Rhys Taylor.

Reda Maher / Eurosport