Grant hits out at timing of African Nations Cup

Portsmouth boss Avram Grant admits he remains baffled that FIFA allow the African Nations Cup to be staged in January.

Ancelotti happy to put faith in Sturridge and Borrini

Carlo Ancelotti is happy to rely on his young strikers to help Chelsea through one of the most critical periods of the season.

West Ham United v Chelsea: Preview

...replace Alex in defence while Joe Cole will come in for Deco. Jose Bosingwa (knee) and Michael Essien (hamstring) are sidelined.Chelsea midfielder Yuri Zhirkov insists the best is yet to come after finally...

Turmoil surrounds Nigeria

Nigeria doesn't lack talent, but turmoil surrounds the squad, with rumors of internal strife and ongoing instability at coach. Mark Young weighs in.

Ghana FA denies conspiracy fears over Essien

The Ghana Football Association has denied reports that it suspects Michael Essien's injury is part of a "conspiracy" to keep him out of the African Cup of Nations.

Chelsea v Everton: Preview

...Coast strikers Didier Drogba and Salomon Kalou plus Nigerian midfielder John Mikel Obi and Ghana's Michael Essien will miss five club games in January, including their FA Cup third-round tie against Watford...

Hodgson will risk points loss to play Pantsil

Fulham and Ghana are set for a collision course over the availability of defender John Pantsil, with the Premier League club risking a loss of points if they play him against Chelsea on December 28.

Ghana doctors want Essien checks

The Ghana Football Association have confirmed they may send their own medical staff to check on Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien's hamstring injury.

Chelsea, Barca players dominate African shortlist

Three-times African Footballer of the Year Samuel Eto'o was among five players named on a shortlist for the 2009 award on Thursday.

Roy Hodgson: Having John Pantsil is better than dodging Michael Essien

Essien, Muntari and Gyan given fines

The Ghana Football Association has fined Michael Essien, Sulley Muntari and Asamoah Gyan and told them they must apologise after they failed to attend a friendly match.

Chelsea 2-2 Apoel Nicosia: Mixed night for Essien

...lost to Manchester City in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday, stormed back with goals from Michael Essien and Didier Drogba putting them 2-1 ahead before the interval.Ancelotti is clearly not afraid...

Essien out for up to a month

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien will be sidelined for three to four weeks after scans revealed a torn hamstring, the club confirmed on Wednesday.

Michael Essien lies in pain on the Stamford Bridge turf

Michael Essien celebrates scoring the opening goal of the game