Chelsea coach admits Essien's injury is a 'big blow'

Published on: 18 July 2011

Andre Villas-Boas has conceded that the injury suffered by Michael Essien is a "big blow" to English side Chelsea.

The Ghanaian suffered a cruciate ligament injury and is expected to be sidelined for up to six months -the third time in the midfielder's career that he has had to endure a lengthy lay-off.

The 28-year-old has not travelled with the rest of the squad for their pre-season tour of Asia, but goalkeeper Petr Cech and defender Alex have both made the trip despite carrying injuries.

"We have nothing out of the ordinary apart from obviously Michael, who of course didn't travel with the team. It's a big blow for us, not only as a player but what he represents as a person," Villas-Boas told reporters.

"Regarding other injuries, it is just normal pre-season injuries and discomforts due to the amount of training the players have been doing and the intensity they are putting in training sessions. There is nothing out of the ordinary with Alex and Petr Cech and you will readily see them back."

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