Essien feeling `stronger' after lay-off

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien insists he feels stronger than ever after making his comeback from his latest serious knee injury.

Essien was a surprise substitute in Saturday's 1-0 Barclays Premier League win over Sunderland, having spent six months on the sidelines after rupturing a cruciate ligament in his right knee during pre-season training.

It was the third such major injury in as many years for the 29-year-old, who also missed seven months of the 2008-09 season and half of the following campaign after suffering ligament damage in either knee.

There are understandably fears midfield dynamo Essien may not be the force he once was but he told Chelsea TV: "It's been a long while but I'm always positive and I knew I would come back stronger.

"That's what I did and I was happy to be on the pitch again."

Essien, who is in contention to start Chelsea's game at Norwich on Saturday, added: "It's always good to be back after such a long injury, so I'm very happy to be back."