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Chelsea star Michael Essien insists hard work has paid off as he looks to put injury woes behind him
The Ghanaian midfielder surprisingly returned to the match-day squad against Sunderland last Saturday and is expected to compete for a starting place at Carrow Road this weekend
20 Jan 2012 10:52:00
By Jay Jaffa
Michael Essien has insisted his hard work to get back to fitness has paid off after he made his long-awaited return to the Premier League fold after being named on Chelsea's bench against Sunderland last weekend.
The 29-year-old replaced match-winner Frank Lampard with 17 minutes remaining to mark his return to football following a six month injury lay-off.
The injury, sustained in pre-season, was the third serious knee problem of Essien's career, and the Ghanaian is glad to be putting his woes behind him.
"It's been a long while but I'm always positive and I knew I would come back stronger,” Essien told Chelsea TV.
"That's what I did and I was happy to be on the pitch again.
"It's always good to be back after such a long injury, so I'm very happy to be back.
"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."
His return is a welcome boost for manager Andre Villas-Boas particularly given his retirement from the Ghana national team. Essien suffered two significant knee injuries playing for the African nation and has decided to focus on his Chelsea career.
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The 29-year-old replaced match-winner Frank Lampard with 17 minutes remaining to mark his return to football following a six month injury lay-off.
The injury, sustained in pre-season, was the third serious knee problem of Essien's career, and the Ghanaian is glad to be putting his woes behind him.
"It's been a long while but I'm always positive and I knew I would come back stronger,” Essien told Chelsea TV.
"That's what I did and I was happy to be on the pitch again.
"It's always good to be back after such a long injury, so I'm very happy to be back.
"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."
His return is a welcome boost for manager Andre Villas-Boas particularly given his retirement from the Ghana national team. Essien suffered two significant knee injuries playing for the African nation and has decided to focus on his Chelsea career.
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|
| Open an account with Sportingbet today and get up to £50 in free bets! |
|
| Sign up with William Hill for a free bet up to £25 |
|
| Sign up with bet365 for a free bet up to £200 |
|
| Sign up with Paddy Power - Bet £10, Get £20! |
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