[RedForceRising]

Ess faces six-month KO
http://www.thesun.co.uk/sol/homepage...cle1664045.ece

From ANTONY KASTRINAKIS



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.


- I know it's the Sun, but his agent saying "It's a big problem" sounds exactly that. He will be a big loss to Chelsea, as I consider him their finest midfield player ahead of Lamps and Ballack.

[yangch0000]

big big big loss to chelsea. it could cost chelsea a lot of ground, in premier league and champions league. he is the best in his position.

[red devil jeff]

Essien's biggest strength is his drive and workrate. Cech has never been the same since his horrific injury. Don't want to be cynical or anything but wonder how much this injury might affect his game.

[DeviL_ReD1908]

Agreed...we'll have to see what happens and how strong he comes out....
It would be such a shame if he isn't on the field when we visit Stamford bridge in a few weeks...

[red lady]

it really is a shame if he's not playing when we go to the bridge, he's a really good player,and soooo strong.i like him.

[dlan4327]

Mikel seems to play really well under Scholari. I still think Chelsea will be a force to be reckoned with.

[sparkic]

Yes! Great news since we are going to play them soon!
And how long is Ballack still out for??

[Ritesh MU]

Originally Posted by red lady

it really is a shame if he's not playing when we go to the bridge, he's a really good player,and soooo strong.i like him.

why is it a shame we have Ronaldo not playing is it a shame then he is the best player lol

[Hezzy]

We missing our best player and they are missing theirs... Should be a good game.

[Lawbreaker1944]

He's something like Makelele used to be in Real Madrid. Not a Star, but he's priceless for his team because of his enthusiasm and ability to do dirt work.

But I still think Ronaldo is better for us than Essien for Chelsea. He lifts his team's performace but doesn't score decisive goals.

His possible absence is bad news for Chelsea, though.