Chelsea star Essien nears injury return

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has taken a big step towards a full recovery from injury. The Ghanaian will be available for a Blues reserve match this week for the first time since rupturing his ACL in his right knee last July.

Chelsea's reserve team take on West Brom's reserves on Monday, and Essien is expected to play some part in that game.


Club insiders expect that in three weeks Essien could be fully fit and ready to return to the first team, a welcome boost for Andre Villas-Boas who is currently struggling to turn around the fortunes of the Blues since taking charge.