Chelsea and Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has been ruled out of the World Cup due to injury.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien will know within days if he has a chance of playing for Ghana in the World Cup this summer.

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac has selected captain Michael Essien and defender John Mensah in his preliminary 29-man World Cup squad despite the duo still recovering from injuries.

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has put his World Cup participation in doubt after admitting he will put his long-term fitness first.

Michael Essien may miss the World Cup because of his long-term knee injury, the Ghana and Chelsea midfielder said on Saturday.

Chelsea have revealed Michael Essien is unlikely to play again this season as he struggles to return from a knee injury.

Michael Essien is poised to hand Chelsea a massive title boost by ending his four-month absence against Stoke on Sunday. He has been badly missed.

Chelsea duo Ashley Cole and Michael Essien are making good progress as they recover from injury but will not face Spurs on Saturday.

Carlo Ancelotti believes Chelsea are capable of winning the domestic double
and has been boosted by the impending returns of Michael Essien and Ashley
Cole.

Chelsea receive a double boost with defender Ashley Cole set to return to action on 25 April and midfielder Michael Essien available a week later.