Chelsea receive Essien blow

London - Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien could be out for up to six months following surgery on a knee injury he suffered in training last week, the Premier League club announced on Monday.

The Ghana international had an operation to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus following a right knee injury.

According to a Chelsea statement, "the surgery was successful and Michael's full recovery could take up to six months".

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas added: "Everyone at Chelsea wishes Michael well for his recovery. His team-mates and all the staff and I look forward to helping him return to playing as soon as possible."