English side Chelsea are seeking an extension for injured Michael Essien to stay at the club and recover before heading off to the Africa Cup of Nations.

The club have written to the Ghana Football Association requesting that the player be given up to the first week of next month to recovery fully before the tournament rolls out on 10 January.

Head of Chelsea's medical team, Brain English, did not state the exact date the midfielder will be released to team up with his colleagues in a letter addressed to the President of the Ghana Football Association.

The Ghana FA in consultation with the Black Stars medical team agreed to allow the player continue his treatment in the United Kingdom. source:soccernet