Gallas will miss the FA Cup quarter-final against Newcastle United on Wednesday, joining winger Arjen Robben, who is serving a four-match suspension for being sent off at West Bromwich Albion, in the stand.

Chelsea also had Asier Del Horno sent off in their Champions League tie with Barcelona but Essien says it is not indicative of a problem.

"We are all disciplined and respect everybody. Sometimes these things happen in games but we are well disciplined.

"We will miss William Gallas a lot, he's one of our key players, but we have players to replace him.

"The FA Cup is special for the club. We haven't done the double before and I hope we can do it this year. It would be very good if we win both FA Cup and Premiership.

"We lost last Sunday but we have to think about what's coming next. Newcastle won't be easy but I think at the end we will win.

"Our confidence has not been knocked, football is full of surprises and you win some and lose some, but we still have confidence we can do something."