London  - Chelsea confirmed on Friday they will be without goalkeeper Petr Cech for Saturday's Premier League match against Hull City.

The Czech Republic international has injured his back, and with Carlo Cudicini sold to Tottenham Hotspur last month, that means a chance for Henrique Hilario.

The Portuguese keeper has been a third choice for most of his time at Stamford Bridge.

"In the game against Liverpool some player kicked (Cech) in the back," said Chelsea manager Luiz Felipe Scolari.

"He completed the game, but felt a lot of pain and it is impossible for him to play tomorrow and, I think, with the national team on Wednesday.

"I believe in Hilario because he is a very good goalkeeper. It is not a problem for us." dpa