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The 28-year-old footballer suffered a ligament and meniscus injury in training and had to be operated on. Medics predict that he will only be able to return to the field after the new year.
"We all wish Michael a successful rehabilitation period," said Chelsea manager Andre Villas Boas. "The whole team will do its best for him to return to the field as soon as possible."
Essien arrived in London in 2005 from Lyon for more than 26 million euros.
Due to knee problems, he missed most of the 2008 season as well as did not participate in the 2010 World Cup.
