Essien knee injury stuns Chelsea

Chelsea face an anxious wait for an update on the fitness of Michael Essien after the Ghana midfielder sustained a knee injury.

The damage was incurred during pre-season training this week and the Blues, who announced the appointment of Michael Emenalo as their new technical director, are assessing his condition.
Essien missed much of the 2008/2009 campaign because of a anterior cruciate ligament problem suffered while on international duty, and to lose the 28-year-old once again would be a bitter blow for player and club.
"Michael Essien suffered an injury to his right knee during training this week," read a statement on Chelsea's official website, www.chelseafc.com.
"He will undergo tests over the next few days to determine the extent of that injury.
"Until we have the full results of those tests we will not be commenting further."
Essien also missed the 2010 World Cup because of a knee problem and the latest setback is a worry for new manager Andre Villas-Boas.
Chelsea are preparing for their trip to the Far East to participate in the Asia Cup with a new look to their staff following the elevation of Emenalo to his new post.
Emenalo, the former assistant first-team coach who replaced Ray Wilkins, will oversee a scouting network and youth development programmes, as well as supporting Villas-Boas.
"Michael takes on a vital role that will assist the overall long-term football strategy of the club," read a statement on Chelsea's website.
Emenalo was a surprise choice to succeed Wilkins in November because of his limited experience at the highest level.
A former Nigeria international, he was brought to the club in a scouting position in 2007 when Avram Grant was in charge.
While Villas-Boas will have the final say on new signings, Emenalo expects to have an input into any transfers.
"Without delving too deeply into it, the first thing is that I'm going to be supporting the manager and working with him in making sure that things run smoothly," the 45-year-old told www.chelseafc.com.
"I have the responsibility to direct and manage our scouting structure internationally and domestically, and to keep an eye on and assist the progress of the academy. That's the simple summation.
"Over the next weeks and months I will be getting the scouts in place, finding the people that will lead the scouts along with me, and integrating the agendas and ideas of the different areas from the first team to the academy.
"The final decisions about who comes in and who doesn't will be the manager's to make, but to arrive at that stage there will be a lot of working together.
"I would imagine I will be part of that process of working together to make that happen."
Chelsea have also promoted Dermot Drummy from youth-team boss to reserves manager, with Adrian Viveash taking over his previous position.