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Essien loss hurt our title bid, says Cole
Tom Collomosse17.03.09
Joe Cole fears Michael Essien's long-term absence through injury may have wrecked Chelsea's bid for the Premier League title.
Essien has made a stunning return to action after spending almost seven months on the sidelines with a knee ligament injury, scoring in each of his last two matches and giving the Blues a new dimension in midfield.
And Cole - who is likely to be out for the rest of the campaign with a similar injury - was left to lament Essien's spell on the sidelines as Guus Hiddink's men try to close the four-point gap on League leaders Manchester United.
Cole said: "Essien would have made a difference.
"What we've missed is that little bit of pace in the midfield this year. Any team would miss him because he's our engine room."
