Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien suffered a knee ligament injury in Sunday's 3-2 win over Birmingham and the Ghana midfielder is a doubt for Wednesday's trip to Reading.

After a pre-season scarred by injuries to a host of key players including captain John Terry, coach Jose Mourinho must have thought things were looking up as Didier Drogba made a quicker than expected return to fitness against Steve Bruce's side.

Instead he could be facing a spell without his most versatile player.

Essien's value was underlined against Birmingham. He capped a dynamic display with the winner that ensured Chelsea extended their unbeaten run in league matches at Stamford Bridge to 64, beating Liverpool's previous top-flight record.

"It was something in the knee ligament," Mourinho said. "He (Essien) was limping and the doctor was saying he was in pain.

"I had two midfielders on the bench so I made the change immediately. If you ask me if he is ready for Wednesday I don't know."

Credit:AFP