Persib Bandung have started pre-season without former Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien as uncertainty grows over his future.

Essien, 35, is currently in London recuperating from a a knee injury he picked last season.

GHANAsoccernet.com understands the former Real Madrid and AC Milan enforcer is improving steadily as uncertainty continue to grow over his long-term future.

He missed Bandung's first pre-season training on Monday at the Gelora Bandung stadium of Fire (GBLA).

"The last information he said he was better and was supposed to be in Indonesia last week. I don't know why he is not practicing, I do not know," Persib team doctor Persib Rafi Ghan told BolaSport.

Essien, who is being tracked by Major Soccer League sides D.C United and FC Dallas, joined the ambitious Indonesian side as designated player last year but rumours of not returning to the Asian side is raving.

It's been widely speculated that both parties are unwilling to continue their co-operation.

The former Panathinaikos midfielder scored five goals in 29 appearances for the side last season.