Essien suffers broken wrist

Michael Essien has vowed to play through the pain barrier after breaking his wrist.

The Ghana international sustained the injury during Sunday's 2-1 defeat to Liverpool in the Community Shield.

Essien is confident the injury will not prevent him from playing in this weekend's Premiership opener with Manchester City.

"It's sore but it won't stop me playing. I will be ready for the start of The Premiership, " Essien told the Sun.

"I'm looking forward to the first game. There are lots of trophies and we have to win at least one this season.

"It would be sad if we didn't win at least one out of The Premiership and Champions League."