Essien out for at least five months with injury

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien will be out of action for at least five months after rupturing an anterior cruciate knee ligament. Essien sustained the injury playing for Ghana against Libya in a World Cup qualifier last Friday.

A Chelsea statement read: "Michael has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will undergo an operation as soon as the majority of the swelling has subsided. We expect this to happen in a week's time.

"In the meantime, Michael has started rehab in the aqua therapy centre at Cobham which will improve the condition of the knee prior to surgery. A return to full fitness is not expected for at least five months."

The loss of the combative Ghanaian for such a long period is a major blow to Chelsea, who have no like-for-like replacement available and will not be able to buy any fresh faces before the transfer window re-opens in January.

Essien had landed awkwardly during the qualifier against Libya and was immediately taken to hospital for scans, with the diagnosis now confirmed by Chelsea's own medical staff.