Essien out for six weeks

Chelsea have announced that midfielder Michael Essien will be out of action for up to six weeks after returning from the African Nations Cup with a knee injury.

Essien, 27, sustained the injury in training while on international duty at the tournament in Angola.

The Ghana player arrived back at the club’s Cobham training ground this week and Chelsea’s medical staff carried out an examination of the affected knee.

Chelsea will be also be without left-back Ashley Cole for tomorrow’s match at Preston in the fourth round of the FA Cup.

Cole is suffering from an ankle problem and will be replaced by Yury Zhirkov. Goalkeeper Hilario will replace the rested Petr Cech.

Squad: Hilario, Turnbull, Ivanovic, Ferreira, Belletti, Alex, Carvalho, Terry, Lampard, Ballack, Malouda, J Cole, Zhirkov, Kakuta, Bruma, Borini, Sturridge, Matic, Anelka.