By Patrick Akoto
Ghana defender John Pantsil believes team-mate Michael Essien will return to the pitch unwaveringà after he was ruled out of action for six-month following a serious injury to his right knee.
The 28-year-old Ghana international had an operation to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus after he damaged the knee on his first day of training at Chelsea.
This is the third serious knee blow of his career and there are massive concerns about his ability to recover in time to save his career.
But the 30-year-old is optimistic the Chelsea ace has the mental fortitude to bounce back greatly.
"I am shocked at what has happened and we're not happy at all but that occupational hazard and heââ¬â¢s strong and he will be back stronger," the ex-Fulham right-full back said on Talk Sports
"We lost him during 2010 and itââ¬â¢s very painful he has to go through such an experience again but heââ¬â¢s a hardworking guy and heââ¬â¢ll get well soon."