Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has said sorry to Liverpool midfielder Dietmar Hamann for his tackle in Tuesday's Champions League game.

"Michael has spoken to Dietmar by telephone," said a Chelsea spokesman.

"He apologised to Dietmar, assured him the tackle was accidental and that there was no malicious intent."

Essien, 23, has been charged with gross unsporting conduct by Uefa for the tackle, which caught Hamann just below the knee but was missed by the referee.

Essien's apology will not jeopardise any defence Chelsea wish submit to Uefa over the matter.

They have until 14 December to respond to the charge which will be heard by Uefa's Control and Disciplinary Body Committee the following day.

Hamann had earlier been critical of Essien for not apologising.

"Nobody from Chelsea has said anything to me and Essien hasn't apologised or anything like that," said Hamann.