London, October 16:

Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech should be out of action for at least six months — if he fully recovers from a depressed skull fracture.

Cech was injured on Saturday in the opening minute of Chelsea’s 1-0 victory at Reading after Stephen Hunt hit the goalkeeper in the head with his knee. The Blues also lost backup goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini with concussion late in the game and manager Jose Mourinho is set to start Hilario against FC Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday.

Cech was still in an Oxford hospital on Monday after surgery to repair the fracture. An expert on head injuries said he risked a fatal injury if he were rushed back to action.

“He risks what is known as second impact syndrome,” said Peter Hamlyn, consultant neurosurgeon at the St Bartho-lomew’s Hospital. “I would think Cech is likely to be out of action for at least six months,” Hamlyn added.