In 2006, Petr Cech had established himself as one of the Premier League’s top stoppers.
In his two seasons at Chelsea, the Czech goalkeeper had won back to back titles, as well as the league’s Golden Glove award in his debut season.
In October that year, Chelsea took on Reading at the Madejski Stadium. Within the first minute, Stephen Hunt chased a hopeful ball into the area and was comfortably beaten to it by Cech, but Hunt’s knee collided with Cech’s head.
Cech went off injured with what was later confirmed to be a depressed skull fracture which almost cost the goalkeeper his life.
Remarkably, he recovered within three months, turning out against Liverpool whilst wearing a rugby-style headguard.
Cech would wear a headguard for the rest of his professional career, going on to lift two more titles, as well as collecting another two League Cup medals, five FA Cup medals and Champions League and Europa League silverware.
