Chelsea have registered technical director Petr Cech in their 25-man Premier League squad, 18 months since he last played a game.
Former Blues and Arsenal goalkeeper Cech retired in the summer of 2019 and stepped straight into a board role at Stamford Bridge when Frank Lampard was appointed manager.
But now the 38-year-old has been added to Chelsea’s Premier League official squad list.
New recruit Edouard Mendy, Kepa Arrizabalaga, Willy Caballero and Jamie Cumming all sit ahead of him in the pecking order and his inclusion is a precautionary move during the pandemic.
Cech is younger than 39-year-old Caballero, who ended last season as the club's number one keeper.
The former Czech Republic international won 13 major honours and more than 33 appearances for Chelsea between 2004 and 2015 before joining Arsenal.
“Petr Cech has been included in the squad as emergency goalkeeper cover,” Chelsea confirmed in a statement.
“This is a precautionary step due to the unprecedented conditions currently caused by the Covid-19 crisis. He takes up a position as a non-contract player.”