Michael Essien insists his
knee injury will not stop him from playing a part in Chelsea's push
for honours.
The Ghanaian midfielder has missed the club's last four games after
hurting his knee in the 3-3 draw with Tottenham Hotspur in the FA
Cup quarter-final.
He has been receiving treatment and is hoping to be available for
The Blues' UEFA Champions League tie with Valencia on
Wednesday.
Essien admits that playing on against Spurs is the reason why he
has yet to return to Jose Mourinho's plans.
But, with Chelsea aiming to win a further three competitions, the
midfield powerhouse is ready to play through the pain
barrier.
"When I did my knee at Spurs I felt as if I would have to come off,
but then I decided I could continue," Essien told the
newspaper.
"But by doing that I think I made it a lot worse, which is why the
injury is taking a long time to heal.
"I did manage to get through the Spurs game even though I was in
quite a bit of pain.
"I haven't been able to do a lot of running in the last few days
because the knee is still not right, but it will not stop me from
playing when needed."
