Last Updated: Tue, 14 Aug 2007 14:14
Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has been told that he will be out of action for the next ten days after picking up a knee injury.
The influential midfielder will be forced to miss Wednesday night's clash with Reading as well as the first big showdown of the season against Liverpool at Anfield on Sunday.
The Ghana international damaged knee ligaments shortly after scoring the winner in the 3-2 victory over Birmingham City on Sunday afternoon but has been cleared of any lasting damage.
Essien has had his problems over the last 12 months. He suffered knee ligament problems last summer while an ankle ligament injury has also bothered him this pre-season.
The midfielder is one of Jose Mourinho's key players after being moved back into midfield by the Chelsea boss last weekend and he will be sorely missed in the next couple of games.