Cech boost for Blues' title bid

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The Czech international goalkeeper has been out since damaging ankle ligaments in training before the Champions League match against Olympiacos two weeks ago.

Chelsea's No2, Carlo Cudicini, has deputised and made a major mistake in the club's shock defeat by Barnsley in the FA Cup fifth round.

It was feared Cech would be out for up to a month and miss some crucial games in the title run-in, including Sunday's top-of-the-table encounter with Arsenal at Stamford Bridge.

But Cech reveals he is set to beat the physio's initial predictions and believes he is on course to make an early return. He said: "I am fine and improving a lot every day so I should be back very soon. I am very happy with the way things are going.

"The injury happened in training when I went to go for a cross and as I changed direction I slipped.

"I like to think I'm a good healer. Every time someone says I'm going to be out for a certain amount of time I always beat the deadline by a few days and weeks. I hope to do it again."

The 25-year-old admits the squad have been buoyed by Arsenal's slump in form which has seen them draw their last four matches.

Chelsea can overtake the Gunners for the first time if they beat Spurs and then win on Sunday, while Manchester United are only three points ahead themselves.

Cech added: "We have hoped for exactly such a situation - that we will be winning and our rivals will begin losing points. Every game is now very important and every point won is golden."

Cech also believes Arsenal will suffer another psychological blow and lose to Liverpool in their Champions League quarter-final early next month.

He said: "I think Arsenal will have it more difficult as they are in the title race, while Liverpool only have the Champions League."