Chelsea’s chances at winning the Premier League and FA Cup double will be boosted as midfielder Michael Essien will end his long injury absence on Sunday against Stoke City.

The Ghana international star has not played for the Blues since a December 8 Champions League match against Apoel Nicosia as he damaged knee ligaments on international duty during the African Cup of Nations in January.

Essien will return to full training with Chelsea this week and hopes to help the Blues to an important three points against the Potters this weekend, according to The Mirror.

Blues manager Carlo Ancelotti would like to have Essien in the starting XI for their match with Liverpool next week, so an appearance in the game against Stoke could be crucial if the Ghanaian is fit for Chelsea’s trip to Anfield.

The return of Essien would be a big boost as his replacement; John Obi Mikel was substituted after 33 minutes at White Hart Lane on Saturday after the Nigerian re-injured his knee during Chelsea’s 2-1 loss to Tottenham.

Chelsea face their most important stretch on the season, with the Blues trying to hold onto the one point lead they have over Manchester United in the Premier League and an FA Cup final with Portsmouth.