Reports suggest the 25-year-old could be sidelined for up to four weeks with the problem, and would therefore miss the Blues' crucial Premier League clash with Manchester United on 21st September.

Chelsea medical staff are set to look at the injury this week ahead of the weekend's trip to Manchester City, and Essien is hopeful of making a swift recovery.

He told skysports.com: "My injury? It is serious but I can be ready again soon."