Essien not down after injury blow

Published Jan. 25, 2010 11:33 a.m. ET

foxsports

Chelsea star Michael Essien is focusing on staying positive despite an injury that will keep him out of action for between four and six weeks.

The Ghanaian will miss the remainder of the African Cup of Nations after picking up a knee problem during training in Angola, and has returned to Stamford Bridge to step up his recovery.

Essien, 27, was in fine form for the Blues before he was sidelined in December, and he admits he is getting used to being injured.

"Injuries are part of what we do and I am not going to let this affect me at all," he said.

"It's a shame because I hate sitting in the stands watching my team mates both at Chelsea and in the Ghanaian team.

"Those who know me know that I love being on the pitch and that is what I will be working towards. I want to be back playing as soon as possible.

"I am on first name terms with all the medical team now so it will be business as usual with them and I have no doubt I am in the best hands at the moment.

"I have already started dreaming about coming back and carrying on where I left off and I hope it will be soon.

"Hopefully I can come back and help the team achieve our aims of the season."

Essien will miss a key Premier League clash with Arsenal and could still be out for the Champions League games against Inter Milan.