Source: Daily_Mail
Comeback kids! Chelsea duo Michael Essien and Jon Mikel Obi fit for season start
[LNB]Comeback kid: Chelsea star Michael Essien[LNB]Chelsea have been given a pre-season fitness boost after assistant coach Ray Wilkins confirmed that midfielders Michael Essien and John Mikel Obi should be ready for the start of the new Barclays League campaign. [LNB]But while Wilkins was delighted with the rehabilitation work of both players,Carlo Ancelotti's number two insisted the fitness of their World Cup stars wouldrequire careful handling to prevent them 'hitting the wall' by the end of theyear. [LNB]Essien and Mikel missed out on the World Cup finals with Ghana and Nigeria respectively because of knee injuries. [LNB]But the extra fitness work carried out during the summer break has put themboth in contention for a return to action in time for the August 14 kick-off.[LNB]'There should be no problem whatsoever,' said Wilkins. [LNB]'Mikel is slightly in advance of Michael Essien but they are both working very well indeed. [LNB]'They have been working double sessions for the last week and we will get themreally firing before the season starts.' [LNB] Fighting fit: John Mikel Obi should be fit for the start of the season [LNB]Essien's return is much anticipated by the Blues. [LNB]The midfielder last playedfor Chelsea in December as complications following knee surgery ended his seasonand the chance to play in South Africa.[LNB] Casillas lets slip that Cole is set to quit Chelsea and join Real Madrid for £30m EXCLUSIVE: Chelsea made to wait in bid to sign Belgian wonderkid LukakuFernando Torres faces a month out with thigh injury as Liverpool star's blow keeps Chelsea at bay[LNB]
