Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is facing at least six months on the sidelines following the knee injury he suffered on Friday night against Libya in a 2010 World Cup qualifier in Tripoli.

Chelsea doctors have revealed that he suffered a cruciate knee ligament injury after Essien fell awkwardly after being tackled.

The doctors have warned that he might need surgery to be able to recover fully from the setback.

I don't know what will happen. It's now two or three times that he has taken blows to his knee

The Black Stars captain on the night wept as he was taken to hospital in an ambulance after he landed awkwardly following a clearance.

"There was no challenge but after I cut out a cross and landed I felt awkward and the pain was sharp. I am devastated but these things happen in football," Essien told KickOffGhana.com.

Essien's agent, Fabien Piveteau, was also very worried about the extent of the damage. He said: "Unfortunately it's not good news.

"I am afraid it's a big problem. A big problem.

"He's taken a bad blow to the knee. I don't know exact details but I think it's not good.

"I don't know what will happen. It's now two or three times that he has taken blows to his knee."

Essien missed the start of the season with a calf injury and has only played two matches for his club this term.

He is likely to miss out in several matches for Chelsea in the Premier League and the Champions League.