Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has expressed his relief after a blood test revealed he was not over the legal drink-drive limit when arrested last week.

Essien had been arrested prior to Chelsea's Champions League semi-final first leg game against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge. The Ghana international was suspended for the tie but returned for the second leg at Anfield on Tuesday night.

Chelsea crashed out of the competition for the second time in three years at the semi-final stage when Liverpool won a dramatic penalty shoot-out 4-1.

But Essien has now been given the all-clear by police following a blood test which revealed he was not in breach of the law.

Essien declared: "I would never drink and drive and I am glad the blood test results came back and confirmed that I was not over the limit. The people close to me know that I don't really drink anyway but I certainly would never be so irresponsible to put my own and other peoples' lives at risk.

"I am very aware also that footballers are role models to a lot of young kids and I take that seriously so would not want any kids to think that I would behave in an irresponsible way. That is why I wanted to clear my name and make sure people know I am a responsible person and was not over the limit."

Meanwhile Ukrainian striker Andriy Shevchenko will undergo groin surgery at the end of the season. The striker missed the semi-final defeat at Liverpool with the injury but Chelsea are hopeful he will be available for some of the remaining games of the season.

A club spokesperson said: "Andriy Shevchenko has a groin injury which will require surgery at the end of the season.

"The injury meant he missed the Liverpool match but we are hopeful he will be available between now and the end of the season."