Essien backs Blues to battle

Essien has returned to action for Cheslea Michael Essien wants his Chelsea team-mates to fight for silverware - just like he battled back from injury.

 
 
The Ghana midfielder spent SIX months on the sidelines after a horror ankle injury.

But he has returned in sensational form, scoring two goals in three games.

 
The Blues are still challenging for honours in the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup.

 
And Essien believes they can secure a trophy, despite a below-par season so far.

 
He said: "We are still in the big competitions so we are looking forward to the rest of the games ahead and to keep fighting.

 
"We have to keep going and see what happens."
 
Essien scored a vital goal against Juventus in his second match after his return.

 
He revealed: "It was great to be back and scoring.

 
"It had been a very long injury and in the end I managed to come back.

 
"The physios and doctors did a great job on me.
 
"The first thing that came into my mind when I scored was to go to Thierry Laurent as he has been with me for the past six months.

 
"The rest of the physios have all done well but he was the one who was with me every day so I tried to go to hug him and say thank you.

 
 
"Didier Drogba has had a couple of problems with his knees as well and it was great that we both scored that night.

 
"The whole team did well to get qualified for the next stages. We did a great job."

 
Meanwhile, Essien has been named in Ghana's squad for the World Cup qualifier with Benin on March 29.