365 Media Group - Euro 2008 In association with Puma

Chelsea keeper Petr Cech is confident that his muscular injury will not sideline him for too long.

The Blues ace has sat out the club's last two fixtures as he looks to recover from the slight knock.

He has also been forced to withdraw from the Czech Republic squad ahead of their 2010 World Cup qualifier against San Marino on Wednesday.

However, having made promising progress in his rehabilitation, Cech is hoping to be back in action when Newcastle travel to Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

"No precise diagnosis has been provided, but I hope that the treatment will not require more than a few days," he told Sport.

While Cech is understandably frustrated to find himself on the sidelines, he has received some comfort in the form of a top award.

He was recently voted Czech Republic's footballer of the year, a prize which he admits helps ease the pain of a 2007/08 campaign which saw Chelsea finish as runners-up in both the Premier League and UEFA Champions League.

"Last season was really difficult. I did not have much reason to feel satisfied," he added.

"However, this award changes the overall feeling a little bit."