Michael Essien absent as Azerbaijan side Gabala eliminate Panathinaikos from Europa League

Ghana international midfielder Michael Essien watched from the stands as Azerbaijan side Gabala kick out Greek side Panathinaikos from the Uefa Europa League on Thursday night. 

The 32-year-old former AC Milan, Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder was ruled out of the game as he is en route to recovery from a groin surgery and watched his side eliminated from the competition.