Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has suffered a setback on his return from injury.

The 29-year-old has not featured for the Blues this season after damaging his cruciate knee ligament in pre-season.

Manager Andre Villas-Boas has revealed that Essien is unlikely to return until the New Year.

"We're looking at mid-January, that's the best we can think about," said Villas-Boas.

"There was a setback at the beginning of December if I'm not wrong which took him back ten days and that's extended into January, so I don't think he will go to the African Cup of Nations."

The Stamford Bridge side travel to Wigan Athletic in the Premier League on Saturday night.