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02.03.2009 Football News

Michael Essien back for Chelsea

By Goal.com
Michael Essien back for Chelsea
02.03.2009 LISTEN


New Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has been watching the Ghanaian ace in training since taking over at Stanford Bridge and is confident he can blood the 26-year old when Chelsea meet Aston Villa in a reserve game today.

“We plan to play him on Monday with the reserves at Aston Villa,” Hiddink said. “If you see him now with the group he is doing well, his presence his good to see. I am rather positive on that.”

If he gets a run in that game, it will be the first time he has played since he ruptured his anterior cruciate in a World Cup qualifier for Ghana on September 5 against Libya.

News of a return will be a massive boost for Ghana's World Cup qualifying hopes with Benin due in Kumasi on March 29 and many key players already missing for Milovan Rajevac.

Chelsea are also hoping to reap the full benefit of the return to full fitness of the player who has in the past offered them quality options both in midfield and defence.

“He is developing very well, working very hard and has a good attitude, a very open guy,” Hiddink said.

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