Tuesday Jan 03 2006 07:31
Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho fears Michael Essien suffered a serious injury during Monday's 3-1 victory at
West ham United.
The tough-tackling Ghanaian midfielder was for once on the receiving end of a poor challenge, from Nigel Reo-Coker, and had to be carried off on a stretcher just 13 minutes into the match.
"We have to wait for news on Essien," said Mourinho.
"Essien is injured but he cannot walk. We have to wait for scans and X-rays which the medical department will be responsible for.
"I don't know how serious Essien's injury is, but all I know is that he cannot walk and his ankle is swollen.
"I don't want speak about Reo-Coker, but I can imagine what would be said if it had been the other way around.
"Essien is suspended for the Champions League and cannot tackle or he gets an immediate yellow card. This time the foul was on him and he is out - he cannot walk."
The Premiership champions, who extended their lead at the head of the table to 14 points with victory at Upton Park, are likely to bring in a replacement for Essien in the next few days.
A loan deal for Dinamo Moscow midfielder Maniche had already been lined up to cover for Essien's expected participation in the African Cup of Nations, and the Portugal international is scheduled to arrive at Stamford Bridge for a medical this week.
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