Essien fears World Cup absence

Michael Essien fears he may not be fit enough to play at this summer's World Cup after resigning himself to the fact he will not return for Chelsea this season. The Blues have admitted the Ghana midfielder was unlikely to make a late return for their bid to claim the domestic double after injuries have prevented him from appearing for the west Londoners since December.

Essien had hoped to return for this Sunday's home match with Stoke, but after complications in his rehabilitation from a knee injury the 27-year-old fears he may not even be ready to lead his country to South Africa.

Asked if he thought he would be fit for the World Cup, Essien said: "As at now I don't know. I am just taking it day by day and if I can make it I will.

"If not then I will have sit at home and support the team like every Ghanaian. "Until I know how the injury improves in the coming days and weeks, it will be difficult to say whether I will make the World Cup or not."