CHELSEA'S title bid has taken a blow after the news that Michael Essien looks set to miss the rest of the campaign.

Blues boss Carlo Ancelotti had expected the Ghanaian midfielder would be back in contention in the near future.

But his knee injury has ruled him out of Sunday's clash with Stoke, while his availability for games against Wigan and Liverpool, and the FA Cup final with Portsmouth, is in serious doubt.

A Chelsea spokesman said: "The Ghanaian's participation in the remainder of the campaign is in doubt."

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