Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech has left hospital to return home following surgery on his fractured skull.

"He continues to make excellent progress from his injury and will continue his rehabilitation and return to light training next week," the Premier League champions said on their website today.

"It is standard medical practice to allow three months for a fracture to the skull to repair fully and that is the timescale we are all working to for a return to full training."

Cech collided with Reading's Irish midfielder Stephen Hunt in the opening minutes of Chelsea's 1-0 league win at October 14th.

Understudy Carlo Cudicini was also knocked unconscious and taken to hospital after being involved in a collision at Reading, and it seems he is unlikely to return for the Carling Cup tie at Blackburn tomorrow.

Veteran journeyman Hilario, who has played in Chelsea's last two games, is likely to continue between the posts.

It emerged today that former Monaco and Marseille 'keeper Stephane Porato is on trial at Chelsea as manager Jose Mourinho considers his back-up options.

Mourinho has made no secret of the fact he would like to bring a new goalkeeper in since the injuries to Cech and Cudicini.

The Premiership champions cannot sign a keeper from another club until the transfer window opens in January, but Porato would be able to sign immediately because he is a free agent.

The 33-year-old has been without a club since he left Corsican outfit Ajaccio in the summer.

Porato played once for France - against Croatia in 1999.