[ 2011-11-27 ]

Michael Essien has returned to light training after recovering from injury he suffered at the start of the season

Powerhouse Michael Essien returns to training, massive boost for Chelsea
Michael Essien has handed under-pressure Chelsea
manager Andre Villas-Boas some good news after
returning to light training.

The Ghana international, who has been missing so
far this season with an anterior cruciate ligament
injury, has also started ball work again.

The 28-year-old participated in various passing
and dribbling drills on Friday under the watchful
eye of Chelsea’s backroom team.

Essien also took part in different sprint
exercises at the club’s Cobham training ground,
a clear sign he is well advanced on his road to
recovery after summer surgery.

The midfielder will continue with his carefully
constructed rehabilitation regime before
returning to full training towards the end of
December.

Villas-Boas is confident of having Essien
available for the crunch Barclays Premier League
clash against champions Manchester United at
Stamford Bridge on February 4.

Essien broke down with the injury during the first
week of pre-season training in July. The former
Lyon man suffered the same knee problem playing
for Ghana in 2008.

Sportsmail revealed in July that members of
Chelsea’s medical team feel his persistent knee
complaints are in part down to his over-developed
upper leg muscles putting too much strain on the
joint.

The return of the powerful midfielder will come as
a welcome news Chelsea’s wretched run. The Blues
have lost four of their last seven games in all
competitions

Source - Daily Mail

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