Chelsea have officially confirmed what Chelsea-Mad told you on Friday - Michael Essien will be out for six months.
Essien, 28 suffered a ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus during pre-season training last Thursday but underwent "successful" surgery over the weekend.
Chelsea-Mad had reported that the Ghana midfielder would be looking for a return to action around Christmas time.
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas said today: "Everyone at Chelsea wishes Michael well for his recovery. His team-mates and all the staff and I look forward to helping him return to playing as soon as possible."