Chelsea FC goalkeeper Petr Cech has been injured in the opening minute of Chelsea's Premiership away match to Reading FC at the Madejski stadium on Saturday, putting a question mark over his availability for Chelsea's Champions League match against Barcelona on Wednesday.

The 24-year-old Czech Republic first-choice goalkeeper suffered severe concussion after a seemingly innocuous clash with Reading midfielder Stephen Hunt, which left the Chelsea No 1 flat out on the ground, receiving treatment until the fourth minute, when he was eventually stretchered off the pitch and replaced by former Blues first-choice keeper Carlo Cudicini.

Cech's condition was then reported to have deteriorated after having left the pitch and he was immediately taken to a local hospital for tests.

Initial reports suggest that Cech has suffered severe concussion, with Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho knowing there are now major doubts as to whether Cech will be fit in time for Chelsea's vital Champions League Group A encounter against the current holders Barcelona at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.

Carlo Cudicini, who was the first-choice keeper until the arrival of Petr Cech from Rennes in 2004, will be eager to deputise for Cech if he fails to reach fitness in time for the crucial match against the European champions Barcelona.

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