BISON!

By dixon9
January 16 2009

Chelsea powerhouse midfielder Michael Essien could be back to make a much needed return at Stamford Bridge in February. Essien ruptured knee ligaments earlier this season and was originally projected to be out until March.

Scolari was very cautious in December with regard to an early return for the Ghanaian but the club’s medical department should very soon be in a position to establish a firm return date.

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Good news indeed for Chelsea although we should take into account that after being out for what could be five months in total, Essien will need time to get up to match fitness before he becomes the tremendous asset to the team that we know he can be.  

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His mother flew into London shortly after her son picked up the injury and apparently he’s been enjoying her home cooking - there might be a few pounds to shed although she has now returned to Ghana.

The other factor is the question of how Scolari will use him; we should remember that the Brazilian manager had Essien generally playing in the holding role at the beginning of the season – a position where, in my view, he looks a bit lost and is absolutely wasted.  

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We don’t need a shackled, restricted Essien playing out of position.  He needs to be in midfield and allowed to power forward if we are to get real value out of the player’s natural assets.  With Mikel playing so well in the Makelele position the solution could be to go 4-2-3-1.

Essien set to make welcome return in February

Discussion started by 50 Years Over 100 Years , 16/01/2009 11:02

50 Years Over 100 Years
16/01/2009 11:02

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Since 66
16/01/2009 11:12

Although only a rumour Joey could be out for up to two months after damaging ligaments at Southend on Wednesday night.

Somehow Scolari has to find a home for Essien - we sure have missed him.

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Edited 1 time(s). Last edit at 2009:01:16:11:13:13 by Since 66.

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dixon9
16/01/2009 11:13

Yep...

Was waiting on more concrete news on that one. Hopefully today we should find out.


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"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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turkish
16/01/2009 12:52

Having Essien back is key, but no one should assume this will fix all the problems. without joey.. we might as well play 4-4-2 and just have a solid brick of a midfield. and hope for the best!

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dixon9
16/01/2009 13:43

That´s just it Turkish - how will Scolari incorporate Essien?

I like the sound of 4-4-2 but it just worries me that if he sticks with 4-3-3 he´ll put Essien in the holding role (which would be wrong as Mikel has been excellent there).



"It is born out of hypocrisy and fundamental insecurity. There have been two kids on the block for the past 12 years. Suddenly, there is a third and that one is threatening to be more successful than the others and they don’t like it." P Kenyon.

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uniss kwame
20/01/2009 15:51

he is the key to our problems so please let all pray for him to come and help us.

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emmanuel essien
24/01/2009 16:20

AM VERY HAPPY FOR MY BROTHER COMING BACK TO HELP THE BLUE
TO ACHIVE THIERE GOOL LET ALL WISH HIM THE BEST BY ESSIEN JUN ACCRA GHANA-MALAM

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