• Amelia joins on short-term deal after injury to Thibaut Courtois • Italian has not played since being released by Milan in 2014

This article is more than 4 years old

This article is more than 4 years old

The former Milan and Italy goalkeeper Marco Amelia has joined Chelsea, the struggling Premier League Champions have confirmed.

The move to sign the 33-year-old on a free transfer follows a knee injury suffered by Thibaut Courtois which has ruled the first-choice goalkeeper out until December and left the squad with only one experienced understudy in Asmir Begovic.

“Chelsea football club is delighted to announce the signing of Marco Amelia,” said the club in a statement. “The goalkeeper arrives on a free transfer to provide highly-experienced cover following the injury to Thibaut Courtois last month, and has signed a contract until the end of the season.”

Earlier on Thursday, Amelia’s agent, Federico Pastorello, appeared to confirm the move on Instagram. “Dinner with #marcoamelia to celebrate the contract with Chelsea FC!!! Good luck!!” Pastorello said in a post.

Federico Pastorello (@fedepastorello) Dinner with #marcoamelia to celebrate the contract with @chelseafc !!! Good luck !! 🇮🇹🇬🇧 @ London,… https://t.co/ySWwCUjCgs

Amelia was released by Milan in the summer of 2014 and the Italian had a short-term deal with the Serie B side Perugia at the end of last season but never made a first-team appearance.

Chelsea, thrashed 3-1 at home by Southampton last weekend, sit in 16th place in the Premier League with only eight points from their opening eight matches – 10 behind the leaders Manchester City.