Cech's injury: the impact

With Cech injuring his shoulder against Athletico Madrid with a shoulder dislocation, Mark Schwarzer's decision to sign on with the London side seemed like a smart move by all involved. The Australian first choice was a strong member of the Fulham team, with great consistency proving his reliability, showing in his former side's relegation without him. An elite goalkeeper in his own right, he potentially isn't up to that standard of Cech. Cech, considered one of the top five goalkeepers in the world by many, can play to a level that Schwarzer can't reach to be honest, but can still provide a strong presence in the area.

Unable to win against Norwich, Chelsea have failed to get the points this Sunday, which can really affect their league hopes. Their dream of winning the league seems to be going up in smoke, whilst they have seen themselves get dumped out of the Champion's League. Not necessarily Schwarzer's fault, but Cech could definitely have stood a better chance against some of their scoring chances. Thankfully for Chelsea (and their fans!), they haven't had to put Hilario in but Schwarzer, whilst still great, is getting on a bit and not as agile as he once was for those match winning finger tip extension saves! 

Schwarzer getting playing time as World Cup looms

Mark Schwarzer's move to Chelsea has proven the need for an elite goalkeeper to be able to backstop a team in the highest tier of football in the world. Schwarzer has built a reputation around being solid, consistent and calm; goalkeepers have to be a constant sign of reliability to get picked and have long careers, and Schwarzer had been the model of consistency for Fulham for a number of years before the switch. With Sketelenburg out injured for most of the season, Fulham's woes have been added to with their goalkeeping options. Given the chance to play against Sunderland last weekend, perhaps due to Mourinho feeling they were up against a weaker side. Argentina's choice Sergio Romero has been playing for Monaco, only as of late, simply out of coaching pressure and Rio looming, and this may have also be a reason.

Either way, with Cech getting injured in the Champion's League match against Athletico Madrid, Chelsea were lucky enough for Shwarzer being given playing time as he has been thrown into the thick of things. It may only be three games, but it could really define the season for Chelsea.

With the World Cup just around the corner, and Schwarzer limiting his chances for selection by going from a team where he would arguably play every single game to being on a team only to bench warm, he really needed some game time to build up his prep and be ready for his international squad. Without matches, he could be incredibly rusty. The reason Julio Cesar took a loan deal to play in Toronto. So with Cech being injured, now is perfect time for Shwarzer to prove he's still 'got it' for club and country.