Ghana And Chelsea Star Michael Essien Sidelined For Remainder Of African Cup Of Nations

Midfielder out of action due to knee injury.

18-Jan-2010 8:23:00 PM

By Alan Dawson

More On :  Chelsea FC
Michael Essien, Ghana (Getty Images)
Ghana's midfield engine Michael Essien will be absent from the remainder of the African Cup of Nations tournament staged in Angola, and could also miss crucial Premier League and Champions League fixtures for Chelsea, after being sidelined with a knee complaint.

International team-mate Matthew Amoah explained to the BBC: "This is a big blow because Michael is so important to our team.

"We've lost the motor in our midfield, and this is very bad."

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"Michael was turning to make a pass when he just went down," he added.

"There was no contact from any other player but those around him say they heard a click, and then the physios rushed over."

Essien was then understood to be taken to hospital on Sunday.

Chelsea, meanwhile, have yet to make an official comment.

The Stamford Bridge outfit's physio room is currently minimal compared to other Premier League sides as manager Carlo Ancelotti is only without Portuguese pair Deco and Jose Bosingwa. The former has a groin strain while the latter has a knee issue; both are expected back this month.
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