Petr Cech doubtful for Euro playoff against Montenegro

The Czech Republic is hoping goalkeeper Petr Cech will recover in time for Friday's first leg of the European Championship playoff against Montenegro and help the team qualify for next year's tournament in Poland and Ukraine.

The 29-year-old Chelsea keeper, one of the mainstays of the Czech team, had his nose broken in Saturday's 1-0 win over Blackburn in the Premier League and was only able to join the Czech team on Wednesday.

Cech, who already wears a head guard, wore a nose protection mask made for him in Milan, Italy during a light training session.

He said his injury was still painful and it was still unclear if he would be able to play in the match at the Sparta Prague stadium.