Essien makes reserves outing

CHELSEA midfielder Michael Essien made his comeback from a serious knee injury yesterday, featuring for the first time in six months in a reserve match with West Brom.

The Ghana international featured for 75 minutes of the game which Chelsea lost 3-2. The 29-year-old suffered a third serious knee injury in July, undergoing surgery after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee pre-season.

Essien’s return to fitness came too late for him to make the Ghana squad for the African Nations Cup which begins on 21 January. Meanwhile, Andre Villas-Boas has revealed he could sign two players in the next few weeks but warned Chelsea will not overpay this month. The London club have had a bid accepted by Bolton for Gary Cahill, but personal terms are still proving a sticking point.