Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien looks set to miss the remainder of the season after failing to recover from a knee injury sustained in the African Cup of Nations. Contrary to early reports that the midfield dynamo will be up for selection in Sunday's premier league match against Stoke City some complications had further delayed his return. The Ghana enforcer has not represented the Blues at all this year after previously tearing his hamstring in the home UEFA Champions League meeting with Apoel Nicosia back in December. And a Chelsea spokesman confirmed the 27-year-old is losing the race to play any part in the crunch stage of the campaign. The Blues head into the business end of the Premier League season one point clear of second-placed Manchester United with three games to play. And Essien, who has suffered some complications in his rehabilitation, looks set to miss all league fixtures and the FA Cup final against Portsmouth on 15th May. Source: Skysports.com