Six-month absence for Essien

Chelsea have confirmed that star midfielder Michael Essien could require up to six months of rehabilitation after undergoing knee surgery. The injury-plagued Ghanaian ruptured anterior cruciate ligaments and meniscus in his right knee in pre-season training last week.Essien, who has suffered cruciate and medial ligament injuries previously in his career, has since had an operation and may not return until January 2012.A short statement on Chelsea's official website read: "Following injury to his right knee in training last week Michael Essien had surgery today to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus."The surgery was successful and Michael's full recovery could take up to six months."The 28-year-old was unavailable for a large chunk of the 2008/09 season due to cruciate knee ligament damage.Essien then suffered a medial ligament injury at the African Nations Cup last year and missed the 2010 World Cup as a consequence.Chelsea only retuned to pre-season training last week and new boss Andre Villas-Boas hopes that the midfielder will make a swift recovery.Villas-Boas said: "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."

Source: Team_Talk