Essien out for 'several months'

[riks12 3]

The international round of fixtures began with both injury and defeat for Michael Essien.

The Chelsea midfielder was taken from the field with a knee injury midway through the first-half of Friday's World Cup qualifier in Libya after what is being reported as a cynical foul.

The remaining Ghana players went down to a single goal four minutes from time.

Second-place Ghana must now defeat Lesotho at home in their final match in October to have a chance of advancing to the second phase of the qualifiers for African nations.

Essien's injury will be assessed by Chelsea's medical team on his return to Cobham.

Source: Chelsea Official Site

In another forum someone said, he is out for about month, but I hope and think it's bollox. Let's wait for official information about that.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I'm sure he would have been taken off as a precaution more than anything, but with Balley out as well we are looking short on CMs.

[the wes 7,212]

fuck sake

[Elliott 7]

Not good. We have a lot of quality midfielders, but no back-up.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

Essien said to SkySports.com he expects to be back 'soon,' I reckon all he has done is aggravate the injury that made him a doubt for the last few games.

[Kez 2,727]

Had a feeling he would get injured in the international break. Lets hope its not too serious

[EskWeston 696]

Our lack of numbers in the squad may prove difficult for us this season. We are going to need some younger players to step up this season, and we need Scolari to put some faith into them. We can't be playing people out of position all the time. Hopefully Mikel will be back for City otherwise we only have Lampard and Deco for midfield, Joe could drop in there but i think it would mean either Belletti taking up the holding role again or playing 4-4-2

[zinctek 401]

when belletti took that roll with spurs i dont think he did very well.

[Ollie 4,400]

I think Belletti did well against spurs actually. If essien, ballack and mikel are still unavailable, use him.

[BlueLion. 21,491]

I'd go as far as saying Jules was our best player against the Spuds. Had a very solid game, actually.

[the wes 7,212]

MICHAEL ESSIEN could be ruled out for SIX MONTHS with a cruciate ligament injury.

SunSport has learnt the Chelsea midfielder, who was injured playing for Ghana against Libya on Friday, may have to go under the knife.

A Blues insider revealed: "After undergoing an examination, Michael's injury seems to be a lot worse than previously thought. He may have to have an operation."

The player's agent Fabien Piveteau said: "Unfortunately it's not good news.

"I am afraid it's a big problem. A big problem.

"He's taken a bad blow to the knee. I don't know exact details but I think it's not good.

"I don't know what will happen. It's now two or three times that he has taken blows to his knee."

Essien, 25, missed Chelsea's opener against Portsmouth due to injury but came back to face Wigan and Spurs.

A couple of days ago he appeared upbeat about his current problem, saying he would be out for a few weeks.

Now it seems the damage is far more serious — and that is a massive blow for Blues boss Big Phil Scolari.TheSun

Edited September 9, 2008 by the wes

[.Cee 50]

MICHAEL ESSIEN could be ruled out for SIX MONTHS with a cruciate ligament injury.

SunSport has learnt the Chelsea midfielder, who was injured playing for Ghana against Libya on Friday, may have to go under the knife.

A Blues insider revealed: "After undergoing an examination, Michael's injury seems to be a lot worse than previously thought. He may have to have an operation."

The player's agent Fabien Piveteau said: "Unfortunately it's not good news.

"I am afraid it's a big problem. A big problem.

"He's taken a bad blow to the knee. I don't know exact details but I think it's not good.

"I don't know what will happen. It's now two or three times that he has taken blows to his knee."

Essien, 25, missed Chelsea's opener against Portsmouth due to injury but came back to face Wigan and Spurs.

A couple of days ago he appeared upbeat about his current problem, saying he would be out for a few weeks.

Now it seems the damage is far more serious — and that is a massive blow for Blues boss Big Phil Scolari.TheSun

I hope it's not that serious :(

[EskWeston 696]

That would be a massive blow to us thats for sure, to lose Essien for that length of time would no doubt cause us serious problems. Lets just hope it isn't that long...

[Aesthetic Relic 301]

If he is out for that length of time he'll be badly missed. Not exactly an easy player to replace.

[Elliott 7]

I sincerely hope that isn't true otherwise we are really going to miss him.

[EskWeston 696]

I sincerely hope that isn't true otherwise we are really going to miss him.

With Ballack and Mikel also injury concerns it does also leave us very thin, lets just hope that Frank and Deco stay fit!!!

[Fulham Broadway 16,557]

With Ballack and Mikel also injury concerns it does also leave us very thin, lets just hope that Frank and Deco stay fit!!!

The good news amongst all the doom and gloom is the reporting (Mail/Express) that Mikel will be back against Man City and Drogba is set to return........

[Badboy 1,526]

Essien injured, this will give obi a big chance to rubber stamp a first team place and i think he will take it.