Interview: Essien talks about the his injury and World Cup 2010

Ghanaians are concerned about Michael Essien’s fitness for the World Cup but he is also worried that he could miss out on the opportunity to play in Africa’s first World Cup.

He talks about his fitness concerns and also his club Chelsea’s challenge for the English Premier League title.

After Michael’s ‘Bouncebackability’ blog things seemed to be going well for Chelsea until Saturday’s defeat at Tottenham and Manchester United’s win over Manchester City the Premier League gap is now down to 1 point.

His official website team, Ess team, caught up with Michael to hear his thoughts about the title race and his own part in it.

Q: You talked about bouncebackability in your last Blog. Do Chelsea need it more now?

Essien: Oh yes definitely and probably more so now because it is crunch time. The defeat against Tottenham has brought Manchester United back into the title race and we need to deliver in the next game to stay ahead and achieve our aim. Q: Do you think Chelsea can cope with the pressure being piled on them by Manchester United?

Essien: I think so because as I said in the blog, we are conditioned to come back stronger after bad results and we showed that after the Inter defeat. I have no doubt we will cope with the pressure.

Q: You are not part of the team at the moment and you talked about your injury and the different operations you had a few weeks ago. How is the rehabilitation going?

Essien: The medical team are doing a brilliant job and I cant thank them enough. I started running last week but had to stop because of slight pains I was feeling in my leg. It is a minor set back which I could do without but that is part of the game we play. Its has ups and downs and one has to stay focused. Q: Can you expand on that a little bit because there has been a lot of speculation that you will be back against Stoke to help Chelsea finish the season?

Essien: I will not make the Stoke game and to be honest it is possible my season for Chelsea may be over. It is still down to the medical team but it looks more unlikely that I will play for Chelsea again this season. I have been dreaming about coming back and helping the team win a trophy or two like last season but sometimes dream dont always come true.

Q: This will come as a blow to a lot of Chelsea fans who have been waiting for you to come back and help team. What can you say to them?

Essien: I hope I haven’t disappointed them too much. No one hates being injured more than I do, but I have to be realistic and honest about the injury and with the games running out it doesn’t look likely that I will play again this season. I am supporting the other guys in different ways at the training ground and I have every confidence that they will deliver.

Q: What about the World Cup? You did a joint interview with your best pal Stephen Appiah about the World Cup. Are you going to make it?

Essien: As at now I dont 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

Q: That will be a real disappointment for you and Ghanaians won’t it?

Essien: Yes it will be but The World Cup is the best and difficult football tournament in the World and I will rather be there fully fit. We will just have to wait and see

Q: Any final messages for the fans?

Essien: I am thankful to all the fans who have been wishing me well and praying for me. Lets all get behind Chelsea and Ghana. My best wishes to everyone Source: www.michaelessiengh.com