Chelsea's Michael Essien Sidelined for Six Months

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien will be out of action for up to six months after undergoing knee surgery, the Premier League club said on Monday.

The Ghanaian suffered a cruciate ligament injury last week during pre-season training.

“Everyone at Chelsea wishes Michael well for his recovery,” Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas told the club’s website. “His team mates and all the staff and I look forward to helping him return to playing as soon as possible.”

Essien, 28, was sidelined for more than six months in 2008 with a similar injury