PETR CECH will start in goal for Chelsea in the Barclays Premier League for the first time this season after Thibaut Courtois sustained a minor injury in training.

The Czech Republic international has been displaced as the Blues' first-choice goalkeeper this term by Courtois, who returned to Stamford Bridge in the summer after three seasons on loan at Atletico Madrid.

Cech's only Premier League appearance came in the win over Arsenal in October when Courtois departed injured and now the Belgian is out for tomorrow's match with Hull, the 32-year-old will retain his place following the midweek win over Sporting Lisbon.

Manager Jose Mourinho said: "He (Courtois) had a little problem in training, a little muscular problem and he's not available for today. It is a chance for Petr and a chance for Mark Schwarzer to be on the bench.

"We played Petr already in three Champions League matches and every game in the Capital One Cup.

"He doesn't need to prove something. It's just an easy simple situation for him. Go and play, which is what he wants to do.

"It's his natural habitat to be in goal, not on the bench. It's very comfortable for me, for the players, for the fans to know our goalkeeper tomorrow is Petr Cech."

Cech's more peripheral status has led to suggestions he could leave in January, with a host of clubs linked.

"I don't think it's possible," added Mourinho, who has often spoken of his delight at having two of the world's best three goalkeepers in his squad.

"I read a couple of weeks ago his agent saying there was no chance of him leaving Chelsea in January.

"That, plus the fact that I have no information about any offer to him, makes me believe 100 per cent that he's staying."

Mourinho has no intention of activity in next month's transfer window and dismissed as an impossibility the prospect of Fernando Torres returning.

The Spain striker, a £50million signing from Liverpool in January, 2011, is on a two-year loan at AC Milan after a torrid time at Stamford Bridge.

Reports have suggested Torres could depart the San Siro, but he will not be returning to Chelsea.

"That's an impossible picture," Mourinho said. "He's on loan for two seasons at AC Milan. We have no space. We have no space for players in our list either in the Champions League or in the Premier League.

"But I have to say that nobody from AC Milan made contact with us thinking about that possibility. Probably nothing is true. And more than possible he is happy at Milan."