The Chelsea man has recovered from a third major knee injury and is in contention for a start in their game against Norwich City after he played the last 17 minutes of their 1-0 win over Sunderland last week.
The 29-year old is now looking forward to playing a major part in the remainder of Chelsea's season and has allayed fears he may no longer be the force he once was.
"It's been a long while but I'm always positive and I knew I would come back stronger. That's what I did and I was happy to be on the pitch again," he told Chelsea TV. "It's always good to be back after such a long injury, so I'm very happy to be back."
Essien will attempt to make his way into the Chelsea side while his international team mates chase their first Nations Cup title in 30 years in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea because he did not return in time to play a part. He admits patience was vital during his recovery.
"We didn't rush anything, we take every day as it comes," he said. "My physios and doctors are there for me, I've been working hard and I think the hard work has paid off."
Your comments on this story...