Chelsea have been dealt an injury blow after it was confirmed midfielder Michael Essien will be out for up to four weeks after suffering a rear in his right hamstring.

Essien, 27, suffered the injury moments after scoring the equalising goal against APOEL in the Blues' final UEFA Champions League Group D game at Stamford Bridge on Wednesday evening.

Chelsea, who had already won the group, were held to a 2-2 draw by the Cypriot minnows and the Blues have now confirmed that Essien will be missing until the New Year.

A spokesman for the West London outfit said: "Michael Essien underwent an examination on the injury he suffered in Tuesday night's Champions League game.

"Results of scans show a tear in his right hamstring. Essien is expected to be out for three to four weeks."

Essien now faces a race against time to be fit from the Africa Cup of Nations of Angola, with the tournament kicking off on Januray 10th.