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London's head coach Jose Mourinho confirmed that one of the team's main defenders, Michael Essien, will be forced to miss the African Cup of Nations starting on January 20 due to an injury.
The 23-year-old Ghanaian national team defender suffered an injury in Monday's match against , when he collided with the opposing team's player Nigel Reo-Coker in one episode. This morning, the footballer underwent tests, which will likely be repeated once the swelling subsides.
"I don't think M.Essien will go to the African Cup of Nations tournament," said J.Mourinho. "It would be more beneficial for him to stay in London. He won't go there for nothing."
Meanwhile, other African players from "Chelsea" - Cameroonian Geremi and one representing Ivory Coast - should travel to the tournament as planned.
"Geremi deserves to go," J.Mourinho assured. "Cameroon didn't make it to the World Cup, so the African Cup of Nations is very important to them. And D.Drogba will leave after Saturday's English Cup match with 'Huddersfield'."
The loss of one of their leaders, M.Essien, is a big blow for the Ghanaian national team - they will also be missing another defender who suffered a shin injury during training at the club. The 21-year-old player will be unable to play for about a month.
