Arsene Wenger has called for goalkeepers to be given more protection so as to avoid a repeat of the horrendous injuries suffered by Petr Cech.

The Chelsea number one is likely to miss the rest of the season after needing surgery on a fractured skull when he was caught in the face by the knee of Reading striker Stephen Hunt.

Blues stand-in keeper Carlo Cudicini was also carried off later in the same match after he had been knocked unconscious following an aerial challenge by defender Ibrahima Sonko. He too is set for a spell on the sidelines, and is unlikely to face Barcelona in the Champions League on Wednesday night.

Chelsea manager Jose Mourinho was incensed by the incidents, describing Hunt's challenge as "very stupid".

Wenger can empathise with the Portuguese coach, but admitted only the striker can really know whether there had been any malice.

"I can understand he is upset, and also worried," said Wenger.

"This year there have been four incidents - Shay Given, Mark Schwarzer who damaged his cheekbone, then you have Cech and Cudicini.

"It cannot be co-incidence that suddenly in three months you have four."

Wenger reflected: "Frankly, on the first challenge [Cech], only the player knows. It is difficult to make your mind up - but it does not look like he went in to try and 'do him.'