Chelsea keeper Cech leaves hospital

LONDON, Oct 24 (Reuters) Chelsea goalkeeper Petr Cech, recovering from surgery on his fractured skull, has left hospital to return home.

''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 Web site 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 midfielder Stephen Hunt in the opening minutes of the 1-0 league win at Reading on October 14.

Understudy Carlo Cudicini, who was also knocked unconscious and taken to hospital after being involved in a collision at Reading, could be back for tomorrow's League Cup tie at Blackburn Rovers.

Reuters AB DB2324