Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien faces a lengthy spell on the sidelines after suffering a cruciate knee ligament injury.

Essien suffered the knee injury during Ghana's defeat to Libya last Friday.

It was feared the midfield powerhouse had suffered a serious injury and Chelsea have confirmed Essien has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament.

The former Lyon star is now expected to undergo surgery and he is likely to be sidelined for up to six months with the problem.

A Chelsea statement read: "Michael Essien suffered a knee injury playing for Ghana on Friday.

"He has ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and will undergo an operation as soon as the majority of the swelling has subsided. We expect this to happen in a week's time.

"In the meantime Michael has started rehab in the aqua therapy centre at Cobham which will improve the condition of the knee prior to surgery. A return to full fitness is not expected for several months."

Essien admitted he was devastated by the injury which will see him miss a large chunk of the season.

"There was no challenge but after I cut out a cross and landed I felt awkward and the pain was sharp. I am devastated but these things happen in football," Essien told KickOffGhana.com.