Liverpool manager Kenny Dalglish has stressed that the club will not be rushing back Steven Gerrard from his injury lay-off.
Gerrard, 31, last featured for Liverpool in March, having undergone a groin operation and then suffering a setback with an infection in his rehabilitation during pre-season.
The midfielder has returned to training but is unlikely to feature against Tottenham this weekend, although he could make his return in next Wednesday's Carling Cup meeting with Brighton.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Iniesta out for a month
Andres Iniesta will be sidelined for around a month after suffering an injury during Barcelona's Champions League draw with AC Milan, the Primera Division club have confirmed.
Iniesta limped out of the match at the Nou Camp in the 38th minute to be replaced by Cesc Fabregas and subsequent tests have revealed the Spain international suffered a hamstring tear.
Iniesta is now set to be out of action for around four weeks, according to a statement on the Barca website, and he joins summer signing Alexis Sanchez in the treatment room.
The news about Iniesta adds injury to insult for the European and Spanish champions after they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to be held 2-2 by Milan in their opening Group H game on Tuesday evening.
Iniesta limped out of the match at the Nou Camp in the 38th minute to be replaced by Cesc Fabregas and subsequent tests have revealed the Spain international suffered a hamstring tear.
Iniesta is now set to be out of action for around four weeks, according to a statement on the Barca website, and he joins summer signing Alexis Sanchez in the treatment room.
The news about Iniesta adds injury to insult for the European and Spanish champions after they conceded a stoppage-time equaliser to be held 2-2 by Milan in their opening Group H game on Tuesday evening.
Moyes wary of Arteta sale message
Everton boss David Moyes has admitted the sale of Mikel Arteta may have sent out the wrong message to the club's current squad.
Arteta, 29, left for Arsenal on transfer deadline day after the Gunners lodged a £10 million bid for the midfielder, who was granted his wish of a move to Emirates Stadium following news of their interest in his services.
But, while the futures of Everton trio Phil Jagielka, Marouane Fellaini and Jack Rodwell have been the subject of conjecture, Moyes has indicated the sale of Arteta does not mean the Toffees are a selling club.
In light of Arteta's exit, Moyes is looking to Fellaini and Rodwell to forge a strong partnership in midfield, after pairing the youngsters in last Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Aston Villa.
Arteta, 29, left for Arsenal on transfer deadline day after the Gunners lodged a £10 million bid for the midfielder, who was granted his wish of a move to Emirates Stadium following news of their interest in his services.
But, while the futures of Everton trio Phil Jagielka, Marouane Fellaini and Jack Rodwell have been the subject of conjecture, Moyes has indicated the sale of Arteta does not mean the Toffees are a selling club.
In light of Arteta's exit, Moyes is looking to Fellaini and Rodwell to forge a strong partnership in midfield, after pairing the youngsters in last Saturday's 2-2 draw at home to Aston Villa.
Bardsley given four-match ban
Sunderland defender Phil Bardsley will serve a four-match ban after the club decided not to contest a Football Association charge of violent conduct.
Bardsley, 26, was charged on video evidence after appearing to stamp on Chelsea's Juan Mata during Saturday's 2-1 home defeat at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland confirmed that they will not be appeal and the defender will now miss the Black Cats' Premier League clashes with Stoke, Norwich, West Brom and Arsenal because of what is effectively his second sending-off of the season.
Bardsley, 26, was charged on video evidence after appearing to stamp on Chelsea's Juan Mata during Saturday's 2-1 home defeat at the Stadium of Light.
Sunderland confirmed that they will not be appeal and the defender will now miss the Black Cats' Premier League clashes with Stoke, Norwich, West Brom and Arsenal because of what is effectively his second sending-off of the season.
Caulker increases Swans' concerns
Swansea have been dealt another defensive blow ahead of Saturday's Premier League clash against West Brom, with Steven Caulker set for a spell on the sidelines after suffering a knee injury.
On-loan centre-half Caulker has started all four of Swansea's Premier League games to date but damaged his cartilage after twisting his knee making a brave goal-line clearance in the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal last weekend, and will return to parent club Tottenham for treatment.
Swansea are already without Alan Tate, who recently broke his leg in a golf buggy accident, although captain Garry Monk could be in line for a rapid return after stepping up his return from a foot injury.
On-loan centre-half Caulker has started all four of Swansea's Premier League games to date but damaged his cartilage after twisting his knee making a brave goal-line clearance in the 1-0 defeat at Arsenal last weekend, and will return to parent club Tottenham for treatment.
Swansea are already without Alan Tate, who recently broke his leg in a golf buggy accident, although captain Garry Monk could be in line for a rapid return after stepping up his return from a foot injury.
Blackburn fans plan protest
Unhappy Blackburn fans have planned a 1,000-strong protest against under-fire manager Steve Kean ahead of their game against Arsenal this weekend.
Kean has picked up just a single point from Rovers' four games so far this season and fans have been signing an online petition to have him removed from his post and replaced by a more experienced boss.
Blackburn owners Venky's have previously stated that they would back Kean, but as the club currently sit bottom of the league they may be forced to act before the situation gets any worse.
Kean has picked up just a single point from Rovers' four games so far this season and fans have been signing an online petition to have him removed from his post and replaced by a more experienced boss.
Blackburn owners Venky's have previously stated that they would back Kean, but as the club currently sit bottom of the league they may be forced to act before the situation gets any worse.
Jovetic in no rush over new contract
Fiorentina striker Stevan Jovetic is in no rush to sign a new contract at the club amid reported interest from Chelsea and Arsenal over the summer.
Jovetic, 21, missed the entirety of last season due to cruciate knee ligament damage but has made his priority getting back to full fitness rather than committing his future to the club.
The Montenegro international was the subject of a last-ditch bid from Arsenal this summer according to Fiorentina football advisor Roberto Galbiati, and his agent, Fali Ramadani, has insisted that he is not in talks over a new deal at La Viola.
Jovetic, 21, missed the entirety of last season due to cruciate knee ligament damage but has made his priority getting back to full fitness rather than committing his future to the club.
The Montenegro international was the subject of a last-ditch bid from Arsenal this summer according to Fiorentina football advisor Roberto Galbiati, and his agent, Fali Ramadani, has insisted that he is not in talks over a new deal at La Viola.
Monday, September 12, 2011
Gunners hit by Ramsey blow
Aaron Ramsey and Tomas Rosicky have both been ruled out Arsenal's Champions League Group F clash against Borussia Dortmund on Tuesday evening.
Ramsey limped out of training on Monday with an ankle complaint and has not been included in the 18-man squad for the match at the Signal Iduna Park along with Rosicky, who is struggling with a knee injury.
Thomas Vermaelen and Jack Wilshere are other key players also missing, although new signings Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker, Yossi Benayoun, Andre Santos and Park Chu-young are available.
Ramsey limped out of training on Monday with an ankle complaint and has not been included in the 18-man squad for the match at the Signal Iduna Park along with Rosicky, who is struggling with a knee injury.
Thomas Vermaelen and Jack Wilshere are other key players also missing, although new signings Mikel Arteta, Per Mertesacker, Yossi Benayoun, Andre Santos and Park Chu-young are available.
Gomes seeking Spurs exit
Harry Redknapp says Heurelho Gomes wants to leave Tottenham Hotspur in January.
Gomes has been first-choice at Spurs in recent years but made a number of high-profile errors last season, and Redknapp moved to bring in 40-year-old Brad Friedel from Aston Villa in the summer.
Since then, Gomes has started just one game - the 5-0 Europa League victory at Hearts - and has not even featured in the squad for the last three matches.
Gomes has been first-choice at Spurs in recent years but made a number of high-profile errors last season, and Redknapp moved to bring in 40-year-old Brad Friedel from Aston Villa in the summer.
Since then, Gomes has started just one game - the 5-0 Europa League victory at Hearts - and has not even featured in the squad for the last three matches.
Tamas facing FA charge
West Brom defender Gabriel Tamas has been charged with violent conduct over the clash which left Norwich's James Vaughan needing hospital treatment.
The Football Association took action over the incident which occurred late in the Baggies' 1-0 Premier League win at Carrow Road on Sunday.
Tamas was given until 18.00 BST on Tuesday to respond to the charge, which would carry an automatic three-match ban if accepted.
The 27-year-old Romanian caught Vaughan with an elbow to the face during a stoppage-time corner, something Norwich boss Paul Lambert insisted should have brought a penalty.
West Brom manager Roy Hodgson, however, defended Tamas, saying he was "100% convinced it is unintentional".
West Brom confirmed they would make a decision on Tuesday over whether to accept or contest the charge.
The Football Association took action over the incident which occurred late in the Baggies' 1-0 Premier League win at Carrow Road on Sunday.
Tamas was given until 18.00 BST on Tuesday to respond to the charge, which would carry an automatic three-match ban if accepted.
The 27-year-old Romanian caught Vaughan with an elbow to the face during a stoppage-time corner, something Norwich boss Paul Lambert insisted should have brought a penalty.
West Brom manager Roy Hodgson, however, defended Tamas, saying he was "100% convinced it is unintentional".
West Brom confirmed they would make a decision on Tuesday over whether to accept or contest the charge.
Chelsea snap up Celtic starlet
Chelsea have a agreed a deal to sign Somalian-born starlet Islam Feruz from Celtic, the forward's agent has confirmed.
Feruz has just turned 16-years-old but turned down the offer of a first professional contract with Scottish giants Celtic in favour of a move to the Premier League.
Manchester United and Manchester City were both reportedly interested in the highly-rated Scotland Under-17 international but it is Chelsea that made an "extraordinary impression" on Feruz.
Feruz has just turned 16-years-old but turned down the offer of a first professional contract with Scottish giants Celtic in favour of a move to the Premier League.
Manchester United and Manchester City were both reportedly interested in the highly-rated Scotland Under-17 international but it is Chelsea that made an "extraordinary impression" on Feruz.
Sunday, September 11, 2011
Injury relief for Cleverley
Manchester United have revealed midfielder Tom Cleverley suffered ligament damage in his foot, but no break, and is expected to be out for four weeks following a tackle by Kevin Davies during Saturday's 5-0 win at Bolton.
Cleverley limped out of the weekend victory at the Reebok Stadium after Bolton striker Davies was guilty of a robust challenge on the playmaker which was condemned by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson admitted after the result, which maintained his side's 100% start to the Premier League season, that he feared the England Under-21 international might have broken a bone in his foot, spelling a long period on the sidelines.
But the Red Devils have announced that Cleverley sustained ligament damage which means four weeks out rather than the expected timescale of months that would have come with a break.
Cleverley limped out of the weekend victory at the Reebok Stadium after Bolton striker Davies was guilty of a robust challenge on the playmaker which was condemned by United manager Sir Alex Ferguson.
Ferguson admitted after the result, which maintained his side's 100% start to the Premier League season, that he feared the England Under-21 international might have broken a bone in his foot, spelling a long period on the sidelines.
But the Red Devils have announced that Cleverley sustained ligament damage which means four weeks out rather than the expected timescale of months that would have come with a break.
Injury blow for Sanchez
Barcelona winger Alexis Sanchez could be facing up to two months on the sidelines due to an injury sustained during Saturday evening's Primera Division match at Real Sociedad.
Alexis, a big-money arrival from Udinese this summer, was stretchered off during the first half of the 2-2 draw in San Sebastian with what has been diagnosed as a torn muscle in the back of his right leg.
The initial prognosis is that Alexis will be out for between six and eight weeks, although the Chile international will undergo more tests on Sunday to determine exactly how long he will be absent for, according to the Barca website.
Alexis, a big-money arrival from Udinese this summer, was stretchered off during the first half of the 2-2 draw in San Sebastian with what has been diagnosed as a torn muscle in the back of his right leg.
The initial prognosis is that Alexis will be out for between six and eight weeks, although the Chile international will undergo more tests on Sunday to determine exactly how long he will be absent for, according to the Barca website.
VDV ready for early return
Tottenham Hotspur playmaker Rafael van der Vaart is set to appear in next weekend's home clash with Liverpool after making a quicker-than-expected recovery from a hamstring injury.
Van der Vaart, 28, picked up the problem during Spurs' embarrassing 5-1 home defeat to Manchester City last month, and was expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks.
However, he is now on track for a rapid return to action, having missed Spurs' first league win of the season against Wolves on Saturday.
Whether Van der Vaart walks straight back into Harry Redknapp's team remains to be seen, as the new strike partnership of Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor proved fruitful at Molineux, with both players netted in the 2-0 triumph.
Van der Vaart, 28, picked up the problem during Spurs' embarrassing 5-1 home defeat to Manchester City last month, and was expected to be sidelined for at least six weeks.
However, he is now on track for a rapid return to action, having missed Spurs' first league win of the season against Wolves on Saturday.
Whether Van der Vaart walks straight back into Harry Redknapp's team remains to be seen, as the new strike partnership of Jermain Defoe and Emmanuel Adebayor proved fruitful at Molineux, with both players netted in the 2-0 triumph.
Chilean starlet Magnasco set for Bolton
Bolton Wanderers have offered Chilean teenager Stefano Magnasco a trial at the club, with the Universidad Catolica right-back set to arrive in England on Monday.
Magnasco only made his debut for Universidad earler this year but after tying him down to a first professional contract, the Chilean Primera Division side are happy for him to move as they will now be due a fee.
The 18-year-old has also been linked with Chelsea, but insists he is relishing the opportunity to test himself at Bolton.
Magnasco only made his debut for Universidad earler this year but after tying him down to a first professional contract, the Chilean Primera Division side are happy for him to move as they will now be due a fee.
The 18-year-old has also been linked with Chelsea, but insists he is relishing the opportunity to test himself at Bolton.
Montolivo to stay with Viola
Reported Arsenal target Riccardo Montolivo looks likely to remain at Fiorentina, according to the player's agent.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger sent scouts to watch Montolivo during Italy's Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday night with a view to signing the highly-rated playmaker on a free transfer in the summer.
Montolivo has been slow to commit his future to Fiorentina, who insisted they would not sell the 26-year-old to another Serie A side during the recent transfer window, but agent Giovanni Branchini now says that it's just a matter of time before a new contract is agreed.
Gunners boss Arsene Wenger sent scouts to watch Montolivo during Italy's Euro 2012 qualifier against Slovenia on Tuesday night with a view to signing the highly-rated playmaker on a free transfer in the summer.
Montolivo has been slow to commit his future to Fiorentina, who insisted they would not sell the 26-year-old to another Serie A side during the recent transfer window, but agent Giovanni Branchini now says that it's just a matter of time before a new contract is agreed.
Monday, September 5, 2011
UEFA uphold ban on Wenger
Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger will serve a two-match Champions League suspension after his appeal against the punishment was rejected by UEFA.
The Frenchman was initially given the suspension in the wake of the Gunners' play-off first leg at home to Udinese on August 16.
However, the club appealed and the sanction was postponed but European football's governing body have reinstated it after turning down the appeal.
Arsenal were also fined 10,000 euros (£8,700) for improper conduct of their officials.
Wenger will now be suspended for next two UEFA competition matches - the UEFA Champions League group stage games against Borussia Dortmund and Olympiacos.
The Frenchman was initially given the suspension in the wake of the Gunners' play-off first leg at home to Udinese on August 16.
However, the club appealed and the sanction was postponed but European football's governing body have reinstated it after turning down the appeal.
Arsenal were also fined 10,000 euros (£8,700) for improper conduct of their officials.
Wenger will now be suspended for next two UEFA competition matches - the UEFA Champions League group stage games against Borussia Dortmund and Olympiacos.
Baines out of Wales clash
Leighton Baines has become the latest member of Fabio Capello's England squad to withdraw from Tuesday night's Euro 2012 qualifier against Wales at Wembley.
Everton defender Baines suffered a hamstring injury in training on Sunday which has not responded to treatment, so he has been allowed to return to his club.
It leaves Capello to decide who will replace Baines on the bench for the Group G clash. The chances are Manchester City's Joleon Lescott will be drafted onto the bench as he is capable of filling the left-back role Baines was deputising for.
Everton defender Baines suffered a hamstring injury in training on Sunday which has not responded to treatment, so he has been allowed to return to his club.
It leaves Capello to decide who will replace Baines on the bench for the Group G clash. The chances are Manchester City's Joleon Lescott will be drafted onto the bench as he is capable of filling the left-back role Baines was deputising for.
Fenerbahce to appeal UCL ban
Fenerbahce have opened a case at the Court of Arbitration for Sport as they seek damages from UEFA and the Turkish Football Federation following their exclusion from this season's Champions League.
The Turkish champions were thrown out of Europe's elite club competition as part of an investigation into match-fixing which has seen more than 30 players and officials jailed pending trial, including Fener chairman Aziz Yildirim.
A statement from the club confirmed they were taking their case to the highest sporting authority.
The court petition also requested an interim measure to reinstate Fenerbahce in the Champions League. The club expect a CAS decision on this by next weekend.
The Turkish champions were thrown out of Europe's elite club competition as part of an investigation into match-fixing which has seen more than 30 players and officials jailed pending trial, including Fener chairman Aziz Yildirim.
A statement from the club confirmed they were taking their case to the highest sporting authority.
The court petition also requested an interim measure to reinstate Fenerbahce in the Champions League. The club expect a CAS decision on this by next weekend.
Sunday, September 4, 2011
Gerrard targets Spurs for comeback
Steven Gerrard has targeted Liverpool's trip to Tottenham to make his comeback from a groin injury.
Gerrard has been sidelined since undergoing surgery in March, and has only played in six games since Kenny Dalglish's arrival at Anfield in January.
He is preparing to return to full training next week and has set his sights on the Reds' trip to White Hart Lane on September 18 to make his comeback.
Gerrard has been sidelined since undergoing surgery in March, and has only played in six games since Kenny Dalglish's arrival at Anfield in January.
He is preparing to return to full training next week and has set his sights on the Reds' trip to White Hart Lane on September 18 to make his comeback.
Wilshere gone until November
Arsenal starlet Jack Wilshere will be sidelined for a further two months due to a persistent problem with his right ankle.
Wilshere has not started a competitive game this season and the Gunners are reluctant to rush the 19-year-old back into action after suffering a set back with his rehabilitation.
The England international, who is currently wearing a surgical boot to protect the injury, was thought to have recovered by late July but he limped off after just seven minutes of Arsenal's pre-season match with New York Red Bulls.
Wilshere then suffered a setback in training last month, and was forecast to be out for just "two or three weeks'' by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. However he is now not expected back until November.
Wilshere has not started a competitive game this season and the Gunners are reluctant to rush the 19-year-old back into action after suffering a set back with his rehabilitation.
The England international, who is currently wearing a surgical boot to protect the injury, was thought to have recovered by late July but he limped off after just seven minutes of Arsenal's pre-season match with New York Red Bulls.
Wilshere then suffered a setback in training last month, and was forecast to be out for just "two or three weeks'' by Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger. However he is now not expected back until November.
O'Shea adds to Irish woes
Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni is facing a growing injury crisis after defender John O'Shea was ruled out of Tuesday's tough Euro 2012 qualifier in Russia.
O'Shea, 30, had to admit defeat in his battle to shake off calf and hip injuries after training in Malahide on Sunday morning and was not among the squad as it prepared to leave for Moscow.
The news came as a fresh blow to Trapattoni, who last week lost Kevin Kilbane and Shane Long, while Aiden McGeady and Kevin Doyle struggles for full match fitness after lengthy lay-offs, the 72-year-old Italian's problems were mounting as he left Dublin.
Ireland head into the game knowing defeat is simply not an option if they are to keep alive their hopes of automatic qualification from Group B with Russia having established a two-point lead over them as a result of their 1-0 victory over Macedonia on Friday.
O'Shea, 30, had to admit defeat in his battle to shake off calf and hip injuries after training in Malahide on Sunday morning and was not among the squad as it prepared to leave for Moscow.
The news came as a fresh blow to Trapattoni, who last week lost Kevin Kilbane and Shane Long, while Aiden McGeady and Kevin Doyle struggles for full match fitness after lengthy lay-offs, the 72-year-old Italian's problems were mounting as he left Dublin.
Ireland head into the game knowing defeat is simply not an option if they are to keep alive their hopes of automatic qualification from Group B with Russia having established a two-point lead over them as a result of their 1-0 victory over Macedonia on Friday.
Saturday, September 3, 2011
Lukaku left out of Champions League squad
Chelsea's £18 million signing Romelu Lukaku has been left out of the club's 22-man squad for the group stage of the Champions League
Lukaku, 18, was signed by Chelsea during the summer transfer window from Anderlecht having impressed in Belgium's top flight with his goalscoring form. The striker made his competitive debut for the Blues in August's 3-1 Premier League win over Norwich, coming on as an 83rd minute substitute for Fernando Torres.
But, as he does not qualify as a homegrown player in Europe, Chelsea have been forced to leave the Belgium international out of their Champions League squad, despite the high price paid for his signature.
Andre Villas-Boas' side have been paired against Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen and Genk in Group E of this season's Champions League. Chelsea's other summer signings Oriol Romeu, Juan Mata and Raul Meireles are all in the 22-man group.
Lukaku, 18, was signed by Chelsea during the summer transfer window from Anderlecht having impressed in Belgium's top flight with his goalscoring form. The striker made his competitive debut for the Blues in August's 3-1 Premier League win over Norwich, coming on as an 83rd minute substitute for Fernando Torres.
But, as he does not qualify as a homegrown player in Europe, Chelsea have been forced to leave the Belgium international out of their Champions League squad, despite the high price paid for his signature.
Andre Villas-Boas' side have been paired against Valencia, Bayer Leverkusen and Genk in Group E of this season's Champions League. Chelsea's other summer signings Oriol Romeu, Juan Mata and Raul Meireles are all in the 22-man group.
VDV targets quick return
Tottenham playmaker Rafael van der Vaart hopes he will be back in "one to two weeks" despite his club's prognosis that he will miss six.
Van der Vaart suffered a hamstring during the latter stages of Spurs' 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City last weekend.
He has since been diagnosed with a hamstring tear after an MRI scan and Spurs have confirmed they expect him to be sidelined for around six weeks.
He missed his country's 11-0 thrashing of San Marino on Friday night and will also sit out next Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier away to Finland.
Spurs' next Premier League game is against Wolves on 10th September, with Harry Redknapp's men then facing PAOK Salonika in the Europa League before welcoming Liverpool to White Hart Lane on 18th September.
Van der Vaart suffered a hamstring during the latter stages of Spurs' 5-1 thrashing at the hands of Manchester City last weekend.
He has since been diagnosed with a hamstring tear after an MRI scan and Spurs have confirmed they expect him to be sidelined for around six weeks.
He missed his country's 11-0 thrashing of San Marino on Friday night and will also sit out next Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier away to Finland.
Spurs' next Premier League game is against Wolves on 10th September, with Harry Redknapp's men then facing PAOK Salonika in the Europa League before welcoming Liverpool to White Hart Lane on 18th September.
Celtic reinstated into Europa League
Celtic have been reinstated into the Europa League, after qualifying opponents FC Sion were expelled for fielding ineligible players after they broke a transfer embargo placed upon them.
The Swiss side had been banned from making new signings over the summer, but included five ineligible players in their squad for the two Europa League fixtures against Celtic, with Pascal Feindouno, Gabri, Mario Mutsch, Jose Goncalves and Billy Ketkeophomphone all taking to the field.
After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, Sion ran out 3-1 winners at home last Thursday to seal their place in th group stages, but now Celtic have been awarded both games 3-0 by means of forfeit.
Celtic now take their place in the tough Group I and will face Atletico Madrid, Udinese and Rennes.
The Swiss side had been banned from making new signings over the summer, but included five ineligible players in their squad for the two Europa League fixtures against Celtic, with Pascal Feindouno, Gabri, Mario Mutsch, Jose Goncalves and Billy Ketkeophomphone all taking to the field.
After a 0-0 draw in the first leg, Sion ran out 3-1 winners at home last Thursday to seal their place in th group stages, but now Celtic have been awarded both games 3-0 by means of forfeit.
Celtic now take their place in the tough Group I and will face Atletico Madrid, Udinese and Rennes.
Essien positive over rehab
Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien believes he is recovering well from his latest knee injury, but said it is "too early" to estimate when he will return to action.
Essien, 28, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament at the start of pre-season training, and is expected to be sidelined for most of the campaign.
The Ghana international has not enjoyed the best of luck with injuries, but remains positive. He wrote on in his blog on Chelsea's official wesbite website: "The injury is well-documented so I will not dwell on it, however I can say I have had a good operation on my knee and I am definitely on the mend."
Chelsea swooped for Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles on transfer deadline day to bring in extra cover in midfield, while Andre Villas-Boas also welcomed Barcelona teenager Oriol Romeu to the club during the summer.
Essien, 28, ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament at the start of pre-season training, and is expected to be sidelined for most of the campaign.
The Ghana international has not enjoyed the best of luck with injuries, but remains positive. He wrote on in his blog on Chelsea's official wesbite website: "The injury is well-documented so I will not dwell on it, however I can say I have had a good operation on my knee and I am definitely on the mend."
Chelsea swooped for Liverpool midfielder Raul Meireles on transfer deadline day to bring in extra cover in midfield, while Andre Villas-Boas also welcomed Barcelona teenager Oriol Romeu to the club during the summer.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)