Ghana international Michael Essien began his journey to full fitness after taking part in his first group session with his Chelsea team mates on Wednesday since sustaining a serious knee injury on international duty late last year. Essien ruptured his anterior cruciate ligament in a 2010 joint World Cup/Nations Cup qualifier against Libya in Tripoli in September. He has since been working hard on the lonely road to recovery, mainly with rehabilitation physio Thierry Laurent. The 26-year-old having recently undertook some physical ball work outside at Cobham, joined his team-mates, albeit in a non-contact session lacking many of the first team squad due to their own international commitments. Essien is expected to make his league return with Chelsea next month and possibly play for the Black Stars against Benin in the World Cup qualifiers on 29 March at home Source: Ghanasoccernet