Michael Essien delighted to return to action after six months

Ghana and Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien is delighted to have finally put an end to six months of worry. 

Essien, a fortnight ahead of schedule after recovering from a long-term knee injury, came off the bench to play the last 18 minutes of Chelsea's 1-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.

Essien’s third serious knee ligament injury in three years just before the start of this season raised real concerns about his future.

But the quiet man, nicknamed ‘the Bison’ for his sheer strength on the pitch, plunged himself into six months of unrelenting work after surgery in July – and has reaped the reward.

Essien said: “Sometimes it’s difficult to understand why I keep getting injured – but that’s part of the sport. Now I feel good about the future.”

The midfielder is missing the Africa Cup of Nations after he is inly just recovering from the injury.

Watch video of an in interview with Essien below:

[media id=346]