Chelsea boosted by midfielder return

Chelsea boss Andre Villas-Boas has been given a timely boost as tenacious midfielder Michael Essien took a huge step forward in his return from injury. The Ghanian star returned to reserves action yesterday, playing 75 minutes as Chelsea's reserves fell to defeat.

Essien exploded onto the Premier League scene when he arrived at Stamford Bridge, but a string of injuries in the past year has made him a forgotten figure.