Michael Essien close to Chelsea return

Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas has revealed that Michael Essien could be back in action by the end of December.

The midfielder has been sidelined since pre-season with a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament.

"Essien is making good progress and we're thinking end of December," Villas-Boas told the club's official website.

The Portuguese also said that Didier Drogba should return after the international break, while Jon Obi Mikel will be fit for Saturday's match against Blackburn Rovers after he was rested for Tuesday's game against Genk.

"Obi has returned to training straight away after we returned from Genk and will be fit for selection," he added.

"Didier will start training as we enter the second week of the international break and we hope he'll be available for the Liverpool game."

The Blues go into Saturday's match at Ewood Park fourth in the Premier League table.