Chelsea assistant coach Ray Wilkins has confirmed that Ghana international midfielder Michael Essien should be ready for the start of the new English Premier League season. Essien is said to have given the Blues a pre-season fitness boost after showing positive signs in his rehabilitation. He missed out on the World Cup finals because of a knee injury but the extra fitness work carried out during the summer break has put him in contention for a return to action in time for the 14 August kick-off. Wilkins praised the 27-year-old for his recovery and the Nigeria international John Obi Mikel who was ruled out of the World Cup due to a knee injury. “There should be no problem whatsoever,” said Wilkins. “Mikel is slightly in advance of Michael Essien but they are both working very well indeed. They have been working double sessions for the last week and we will get them really firing before the season starts.” Essien last played for Chelsea in December as complications following knee surgery ended his season. Source: Ghanasoccernet.com