Blues wait for Cech news
Chelsea cruised into the quarter-finals of the Champions League by defeating Olympiacos last night but the evening was soured by news of an ankle injury to Petr Cech.
The 25-year-old goalkeeper was not involved in the 3-0 win over the Greeks and is expected to have a scan today to determine the extent of the problem he picked up in training.
“We hope it won’t be for long,” said Chelsea boss Avram Grant.
Carlo Cudicini, Cech’s deputy, had a fairly straightforward return to action as Chelsea joined Arsenal and Manchester United in the last eight of Europe’s elite club competition.
Michael Ballack headed in an early opener to establish a lead after the first-leg stalemate, then Frank Lampard tapped in a second and Salomon Kalou added a third just after the break.
It was only when the result was settled that Cudicini was called into action, while Fernando Belluschi also hit the crossbar for the visitors late on.
Although Olympiacos were woeful, Chelsea’s result was another response after the recent Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham.
“I have confidence in my team,” said Grant. “From day one I have had full confidence in the team, even though most of the people didn’t believe we would have a good year.
“So far it has been a good development and that pleases me more than the results.
“We know it was a bad day in the League Cup final. We were only team from the big four to make the final. We showed since then character and good attitude. That is what is important. It’s what I like.”
Lampard was upset after picking up a second-half booking for diving, and he protested his innocence after the final whistle.
“He (the referee) said it was because I threw my arms up,” Lampard said on Sky Sports. “I was asking for a penalty but I don’t mind not being given a penalty.
“But to call me a diver, that’s not the way I play and it’s unfortunate because it puts me on a yellow.”
Lampard is now relishing the prospect of all four English teams being in the quarter-finals, providing Liverpool protect their 2-0 lead over Inter Milan next week
He added: “What will be will be. If all four of us go through – and Liverpool are in a good position – there will be a great chance of an all-English match.
“It’s obviously great for England if we’re all in there but if we draw one we will have to deal with it.”
Chelsea captain John Terry dedicated the victory to Frank Steer, from the club’s backroom staff, whose mother has passed away.
