Chelsea manager Roberto Di Matteo has insisted that no decision has yet been made over whether goalkeeper Petr Cech will require elbow surgery next summer.
Czech Republic team doctor Petr Krejci had claimed earlier this week that the 30-year-old would need to go under the knife to correct a long-standing problem.
"Petr's problem is an issue we've been managing," said Di Matteo. "It's not decided yet whether he'll need anything done.
"It's something he's been playing with some period now and it's not an issue now. If he stays without pain, it's very possible he'll just play on like that.
"If not, the medical department in conjunction with the player will make a decision."
Cech has featured in every minute of the Blues' first-team schedule so far this season.