Chelseas technical director Michael Emenalo has insisted that the club will not be rushed into finding a replacement for midfielder Michael Essien.

The Ghana international was ruled out of action for six months after suffering knee ligament damage, and West Hams Scott Parker who could be available on loan and Newcastles Cheik Tiote have been touted as possible replacements for the 28-year-old at Stamford Bridge.

Emenalo, however, has suggested that the west Londoners have no need to seek a replacement.

Speaking to Sky Sports News, Emenalo said: "The squad is littered with world-class players and the idea of replacing someone or not replacing someone sounds a little bit ludicrous.

"We have enough in the tank to get the job done. He will be missed. Everyone knows he is an important part of Chelsea and a magnificent player in the side for the club and he still will be when he recovers but I don't think there is any panic or desperation to replace him.

"We will do just what a club of our ilk should do and find the right solution."

Emenalo also responded to any concerns over the age of newly appointed Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas, saying that despite the Portugueses youthful appearance, he already has a wealth of coaching experience.

"He has shown in his relatively young managerial career that he can do the job," Emenalo added.

"I try to remind people that even though he is 33, Andre has 17 years of experience because he started so young.

"He has an incredibly large amount of knowledge about the game and we have absolutely no doubt whatsoever that he is the right man for the job.

"He has already started putting his prints all over the place.

"There is a new atmosphere and dynamism within the club and a freshness that everyone is trying to feed off. We are all feeling very positive about the future."
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