Cech fear for Chelsea

Interim boss Benitez's bid to improve his record of 10 wins in 21 matches in charge continues with the Barclays Premier League clash at home to Wigan on Saturday could take place without his first-choice goalkeeper.

A statement on the club's official website read: "Petr Cech is returning to Chelsea due an injured finger and will not take part in Czech Republic's international fixture on Wednesday. The injury will be assessed at Cobham by the club's medical department."

While Ross Turnbull could be required to return in goal, having deputised last month when Cech had a groin problem, the managerial status quo remains - though former boss Jose Mourinho has been linked with a summer return to the club.

Benitez returned to his family home on the Wirral for brief respite following Chelsea's 3-2 Premier League loss at Newcastle on Saturday, a result that left the Blues with three wins in 10 matches.

That, coupled with the unravelling of Mourinho's reign at Real Madrid and his enduring popularity in west London, led to suggestions Roman Abramovich would turn to the self-titled Special One.

After the dream scenario of Pep Guardiola being drafted in ended when the former Barcelona head coach was appointed by Bayern Munich, speculation of a return for Mourinho heightened.

It would be a popular appointment, but for now Benitez remains in place until his current contract ends this summer.

Chelsea remain third in the table and on course to fulfil Benitez's brief of Champions League football in 2013-14.

Source: PA

Source: PA