Injured Essien a doubt for Africa Cup of Nations as Chelsea confirm lay-off

10 December 2009 04:23
Chelsea have confirmed that midfielder Michael Essien will be out for up to four weeks with a hamstring tear.[LNB]Pain game: Essien is out until the New Year and could miss the Africa Cup of Nations for Ghana[LNB]That could put the Ghana midfielder's participation in January's Africa Cup of Nations in jeopardy. The tournament runs from January 10-31 and Essien faces a fight to be fit in time for the big kick-off in Angola.[LNB]Essien suffered the injury moments after scoring the equalising goal against APOEL in the Blues' final Champions League Group D game at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday.[LNB]Chelsea, who had already won the group, were held to a 2-2 draw by the Cypriot minnows and the Blues have now confirmed that Essien will be missing until the new year.[LNB]A Chelsea spokesman said: 'Michael Essien underwent an examination on theinjury he suffered in Tuesday night's Champions League game. [LNB]'Results of scans show a tear in his right hamstring. Essien is expected to be out for three to four weeks.'[LNB]Essien joins Ivory Coast striker Salomon Kalou, who has a hamstring problem, on the sidelines.[LNB]  Has Carlo been caught out? Injuries have piled up as Chelsea form slipsChelsea can't afford any more slip-ups in the title race, warns Joe ColePolitical row threatens Chelsea's bid to land Santos teenage sensation NeymarCHELSEA FC

Source: Daily_Mail