Cech insists he'll return in time for vital clashes

Petr Cech is confident he will recover from his horrific facial injury in time to take on Liverpool in the Champions League semi-final and Manchester United in the Premier League title decider.

It was feared Cech would miss the rest of the season after having 50 stitches in the wound he sustained in an accidental clash with Tal Ben Haim in training.

But he is set to add a protective mask on his face to the helmet he has worn for the past year after suffering a fractured skull.

The first leg at Anfield is in two weeks and Cech said: "I hope I will be back in the goal soon. I have to wait for what the doctor says.

"We are trying to find a way to be back as soon as possible. My face is sewn, so we must protect it from tearing again."