It has been confirmed that Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has sustained cruciate knee ligament damage and is expected to be out of action for up to six months.

The 25 year old was playing in a World Cup qualifying match for Ghana against Libya last week when he suffered the knee injury. Chelsea report that the player will now begin his rehabilitation firstly by resting and then he is expected to undergo surgery.

Essien signed for Chelsea in 2005 when Jose Mourinho was in charge at Stamford Bridge. He quickly became an integral part of the team and is close to completing 100 games for the club. Although Scolari has the likes of Frank Lampard and Michael Ballack to call upon, he is sure to miss Essien’s versatility over the rest of the season.

Essien himself said of the injury, “there was no challenge but after I cut out a cross and landed I felt awkward and the pain was sharp. I am devastated but these things happen in football”.