Blues face midfield rethink as Essien out

LUIZ FELIPE SCOLARI will be forced to rethink his battle plan for the campaign ahead following confirmation midfielder Michael Essien faces several months on the sidelines with a knee injury.

The 25-year-old suffered the problem while on international duty with Ghana and, after an examination by Chelsea’s own medical staff, is set to have surgery next week.

Essien had already missed the opening match of the season, and is now set for an extensive spell on the sidelines — with a return not expected until well into the new year.