Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has suffered a setback on his return from injury.
The 29-year-old has not featured for the Blues this season after damaging his cruciate knee ligament in pre-season.
Manager Andre Villas-Boas has revealed that Essien is unlikely to return until the New Year.
"We're looking at mid-January, that's the best we can think about," said Villas-Boas.
"There was a setback at the beginning of December if I'm not wrong which took him back ten days and that's extended into January, so I don't think he will go to the African Cup of Nations."
The Stamford Bridge side travel to Wigan Athletic in the Premier League on Saturday night.
Written by
Jack Prescott
Jack Prescott
