Chelsea have had some excellent news as Michael Essien is set to be back in action sooner than expected.
The Ghana international was initially ruled out for six months after damaging his cruciate ligament back in July, but Blues boss Andre Villas-Boas says he could be back before the end of the year.
AVB told the press that Essien is progressing well, and that he could be back at the end of December.
Should he return then it could mean that Ghana may include him in their squad for the Africa Cup of Nations in January; which would upset the Chelsea hierarchy if he was picked.
By Scott Balaam
Twitter @astambridge2far