London (AFP)
Former goalkeeper Petr Cech, withdrawn from the pitch since the end of the 2019 season, has been included by Chelsea in their Premier League squad list if others are unavailable for health reasons, the London club announced on Tuesday for which he is technical director.
"Petr Cech has been included in the squad as an emergency replacement goalkeeper," said Chelsea, which includes Kepa Arrizabalaga, Willy Caballero (39) and their new recruit Edouard Mendy in a statement.
"It is a precautionary measure because of the unprecedented conditions currently caused by the Covid-19 crisis, specify the Blues. He occupies a position of non-contractual player."
At the international level, the Ukrainian selection, deprived of three of its goalkeepers tested positive for Covid-19, had been forced to integrate its goalkeeper coach Oleksandr Shovkovskiy into its group for the friendly match against France earlier this month.
“This is obviously due to the pandemic as we could see that the players who tested positive need to be isolated. There was room on the list and I was an option in an emergency. Anyway, we hope. that it won't be necessary, "said Cech, whose last game played is the Europa League final in May 2019 with Arsenal against Chelsea.
Despite almost a year and a half without playing, the former Czech international is convinced that he can still lend a hand if needed: "I think I could make a match because I train and keep in shape" , assures the former helmeted goalie who also officiates for the local ice hockey team Guildford Phoenix.
“I trained with the team throughout this year, when the bubbles were created and people couldn't mix, he added. If I was to really play a game, I would. would come out ".
© 2020 AFP