Ghana midfielder Michael Essien aims to dish up a big surprise for manager Luiz Felipe Scolari by making a return to Chelsea duty a month earlier than planned. The 24-year-old had feared he could be out until March after tearing knee ligaments four months ago. But he has told pals he now plans to be back early next month. SunSport revealed how his mum had flown into London before Christmas to nurse the hardman back to health. And a friend declared: "Michael's injury has healed very well. He puts it down to his mum's home cooking, though she has now returned to Ghana." Essien sustained the injury on international duty in a 2010 World Cup qualifier against Libya in September last year. Source: Ghanasoccernet