Essien missed Chelsea's midweek win over Manchester City with a knee injury although he should return for the clash with Sheffield United on Saturday

The Ghana international has been outstanding while deputising in defence for Terry.

However, the midfielder is hoping he can return to his more normal attacking tendencies against United, providing he can shake off his knock in time.

Essien said: "I am a midfielder now and I do think like a midfielder. So when I play centre-back I often get forward more sometimes than I should and have to release the ball and get back.

"I try to attack the ball first. I remember when I was a kid they used to tell us we have to get the ball first and I have that in my mind all the time. I really enjoy anywhere I play and anytime I see any space I try to attack it and get something out of it."

Meanwhile Chelsea striker Salomon Kalou said: "Right now, Michael Essien is one of the best players in the team so it is very important to keep him for a long time and that goes for Lampard and Terry as well."