Injured Essien ruled out for group stage

Injury
The 25-year-old ruptured an anterior cruciate ligament playing for Ghana against Libya on Friday and Chelsea expect him to undergo surgery in a week's time when the swelling is reduced. The club said "a return to full fitness is not expected for several months," which would mean that Essien, signed from Olympique Lyonnais in 2005, would not be able to play in UEFA Champions League Group A, which runs from 16 September until 9 December and involves Chelsea, FC Girondins de Bordeaux, CFR 1907 Cluj and AS Roma. Essien, recently awarded a five-year contract by the London club, said: "There was no challenge but after I cut out a cross and landed I felt awkward and the pain was sharp. I am devastated but these things happen in football."