In his first interview since undergoing two hours of surgery on Sunday on a facial injury, Petr Cech discussed the impact on his ability to perform his duties and the criteria for his return.

The 25-year-old was on the verge of rejoining the squad following an ankle injury that kept him out since the first game in March. However the deep cut suffered in a training accident has put the comeback on hold.

Speaking on Chelsea TV, Cech said:

'I had been in my first training session with the squad and I was really looking forward to the game on Tuesday [against Fenerbahçe] and this happened. But football is a contact sport and unfortunately this can happen.

'I can still train,' he announced. 'The problem is I cannot afford any contact so I can run, I can do some stuff in the gym, I am doing that now and I am waiting for the solution from the surgeon to get me back on the field.'

That solution is all about finding a way to minimise the risk of any further damage to the stitched-up area on his lower face.

'As soon as we can get the solution, hopefully there will be a chance for me to play. It looks much better, it feels much better and it is not that swollen. The recovery is going well at the moment.

'There are still plenty of games to play and I have been missing games for a long time and I can't wait to be back.'

The full interview can be viewed on Chelsea Plus or on the repeat showing of Blues News at 10pm.