Reuters
 
London, Oct 16: Chelsea goalkeeper Peter Cech has had a "successful" operation for a depressed fracture of the skull, the club said in a statement on Sunday.

The 24-year-old Czech Republic international underwent surgery after being transferred to a specialist neuro-surgical unit at the Radcliffe Infirmary in Oxford, Chelsea said.

"The operation was successful but it is too early to give an accurate assessment of his condition," the statement continued.

Cech, and his replacement Carlo Cudicini, were both knocked unconscious during Saturday's 1-0 Premier League win over Reading at the Madejski Stadium.

Cech was carried off after colliding with Reading striker Stephen Hunt who caught him in the head with his knee.

Cudicini was injured just before the end of the match after colliding with Reading's Ibrahima Sonko in injury time and was carried off with his neck braced after his head hit the ground.

Cudicini was also taken to hospital but was discharged later on Saturday evening.

Chelsea skipper John Terry went in goal for the last few moments. The club's third choice goalie, the Portuguese Hilario, may now be in the starting lineup to face Barcelona in the Champions League at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.