Hilario is in line to start for Chelsea in their clash with Aston Villa.

Chelsea manager Avram Grant was handed a goalkeeping crisis for Christmas after Petr Cech was helped off during yesterday's 1-0 victory over Blackburn at Ewood Park.

With back-up goalkeeper Carlo Cudicini ruled out by a rib injury sustained in training, Portuguese third-choice goalkeeper Hilario stepped off the bench at Blackburn for his first match since January.

Cech, who will have scans today on an injury to his side, must be rated doubtful for the Boxing Day clash against Aston Villa and Grant does not have another goalkeeper as back-up to Hilario.

Cech, who wears a protective helmet following the horrific head injury he sustained against Reading 14 months ago, was hurt yesterday in a collision with home striker Roque Santa Cruz at the start of the second half.

He carried on after lengthy treatment but, having signalled at one stage he wanted to come off, decided he could not take goal kicks and was substituted after 64 minutes. Grant said: "I wanted to take him off before but he said he wanted five more minutes, so we waited.

"As for the Villa game, we need to wait and see. He will have scans on his side tomorrow."

Chelsea will take no chances with Cech, who fractured his skull at the Madejski Stadium last season.