Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien expects to be back in action next month after injuring his knee in September.
Essien had surgery to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament after picking up the injury playing for Ghana in a World Cup qualifier against Libya.
"According to rehabilitation physio Thierry Laurent, it should not take more than one month for me to play actively again," said the 26-year-old.
Prior to the injury, Essien had been a key player for Chelsea.
Since his £24m move from Lyon in 2005, Essien has scored 14goals in 132 appearances.
When Essien was first injured it had been feared he would miss the rest of the season.
"He (Laurent) has assured me that once we go through a few other exercises for two or three weeks, I should be fit enough to return to the pitch," Essien told the Premier League's website.
Essien had surgery to repair a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament after picking up the injury playing for Ghana in a World Cup qualifier against Libya.
"According to rehabilitation physio Thierry Laurent, it should not take more than one month for me to play actively again," said the 26-year-old.
Prior to the injury, Essien had been a key player for Chelsea.
Since his £24m move from Lyon in 2005, Essien has scored 14goals in 132 appearances.
When Essien was first injured it had been feared he would miss the rest of the season.
"He (Laurent) has assured me that once we go through a few other exercises for two or three weeks, I should be fit enough to return to the pitch," Essien told the Premier League's website.