Essien pleased with comeback so far
Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien was pleased to see the hard work pay off after making his comeback from knee surgery during last weekend's game against Sunderland.
Essien came on as a substitute in Chelsea's 1-0 victory - his first appearance since rupturing a cruciate ligament in his right knee during pre-season training.
The Black Stars player has had knee problems before - he missed seven months of the 2008-09 season and half of the following campaign after suffering ligament damage in either knee - but now feels that his body is strong enough to deal with the rigours of Premier League football.
"It's been a long while but I'm always positive and I knew I would come back stronger," the 29-year-old told Chelsea TV.
"That's what I did and I was happy to be on the pitch again."
Essien's recovery came too late for him to be selected for Ghana's African Cup of Nations campaign, meaning he is now in contention for a starting place in Chelsea's clash at Norwich on Saturday.
"It's always good to be back after such a long injury, so I'm very happy to be back," he admitted.
Essien explained that patience was key to his recovery.
"We didn't rush anything, we take every day as it comes. My physios and doctors are there for me, I've been working hard and I think the hard work has paid off."