Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech is available for the first leg of their Euro 2012 play-off against Montenegro on Friday.
Goalkeeper to wear special mask against Montenegro
Czech Republic goalkeeper Petr Cech is available for the first leg of their Euro 2012 play-off against Montenegro on Friday, team doctor Petr Krejci has confirmed.
The Chelsea No.1 broke his nose in a collision with team-mate Ashley Cole during Saturday's Premier League victory over Blackburn.
He was able to complete the match after receiving lengthy treatment on the pitch, but remained a doubt for his country's vital two-legged tie with Montenegro.
However, Cech has now been passed fit to provide the Czechs with a massive boost ahead of Friday's home game.
"Petr has managed the whole practice and he's able to play on Friday," Krejci told reporters after Thursday's training.
"He feels pain after certain hits, but it's still an injury he can play with."
Unusual
Cech, who already wears protective headgear following a skull fracture five years ago, has had a special mask made of carbon fibres in Italy to protect his nose.
"It's a bit unusual but I used to play ice hockey when I was a kid so I had wires before my eyes and I never minded that," Cech told reporters.
Asked about testing the mask for the first time, the 29-year-old added: "They threw a ball from a metre at it and it hurt only as if they had touched the nose.
"If I considered all risks, I wouldn't have to come here.
"There are things in the game that you can't influence. If I get hit, I'll get hit."
