Chelsea suffer Cudicini setback

Petr Cech needed 50 stitches on a serious facial injury

Chelsea manager Avram Grant was pessimistic about Carlo Cudicini making a quick recovery from a hamstring injury, saying it "does not look good".

The goalkeeper limped off against Fenerbahce and joins first-choice keeper Petr Cech on the sidelines.

It leaves the Blues facing the prospect of fielding Hilario in goal, with Rhys Taylor, 18, on the bench for their next game against Wigan on Monday.

Grant said: "It doesn't look good with Carlo but we need to wait and see."

News conference: Avram Grant

Chelsea are already without Cech for a lengthy period after the Czech Republic international needed 50 stitches on a serious facial injury sustained in a training-ground clash with team-mate Tal Ben-Haim on Sunday.

606: DEBATE Today is the time to give Hilario a five star rating DC

Third-choice stopper Hilario came off the bench to replace Cudicini during the Champions League tie at Stamford Bridge on Tuesday.

The Portuguese pulled off fine saves from Gokhan Gonul and Colin Kazim-Richards, and Grant stressed he has full confidence in Hilario as he faces up to a goalkeeping crisis.

"It is very important for a third goalkeeper to do a good job when you need him, and we have needed him this year," said the Chelsea boss after the 3-2 aggregate win which saw his side progress to the Champions League semi-finals.

Grant added: "This year I am more a doctor than a manager, I need to answer every week about injuries.

"We have Hilario and have the goalkeeper from the youth team. He is a good goalkeeper."