The 27-year-old has been out since mid-October with the problem and will now not return until the new year.

A statement released on the club's official website read: "Chelsea Football Club can confirm that Jose Bosingwa underwent arthroscopic surgery on his left knee this week. His recovery time will be approximately three months."

The Blues, who lead the Barclays Premier League by five points from Arsenal and Manchester United, were, however, buoyed by the news that England left-back Ashley Cole does not need to go under the knife following a shin injury.

"Meanwhile, Ashley Cole is suffering from an aggravation of a depressed fracture of the tibia, originally picked up against Atletico Madrid at Stamford Bridge," the statement added.

"The injury will not require surgery."

Portugal international Bosingwa has made eight appearances for Chelsea this term, the most recent of which came when he was taken off in the second half of the 2-1 loss to Aston Villa on 17th October.

www.chelseafc.com