Michael Essien was left limping of the field in the first half on international duty. Essien was already complaining of trouble with his knee, but the Ghanaian coach risked Essien anyway.
The risk backfired, which inturn left Essien injured. Once Essien arrived back at Stamford Bridge, the damage to his knee was confirmed. He will be stuck on the sideline for up to a month.
This couldn’t have come for a worse time for the blues; they have a vital clash with Man City this weekend, and they play Man Utd the week after that. With Ballack also on the sideline Scolari is going to have to make some vital changes to the Chelsea squad if they are going to have a chance at winning these two vital games.
Chelsea posted on there official website: “We expect this to happen in a week’s time. In the meantime, Michael has started rehab in the aqua therapy centre at Cobham which will improve the condition of the knee prior to surgery. A return to full fitness is not expected for several months.”
Matthew Di Caterina
