Ghana has been handed a massive World Cup boost with news that midfielder Michael Essien has officially started training with his English side Chelsea.

There were fears that Essien could miss the World Cup in June because of the knee injury he suffered at the Africa Cup of Nations.

His club coach Carlo Ancelotti hinted last week that the Black Stars player could return to action before the end of the month.

But according to media reports in England, Essien has already started training with Chelsea after recovering in a French hospital.

The London Evening Standard says Chelsea's cause will soon be helped by the return of key duo Ashley Cole and Essien from ankle and knee injuries respectively.

Left-back Cole took part in full training with the rest of the squad for the first time yesterday.

Essien was doing some gentle running exercises on his own at the club's training grounds.