By Akyereko Frimpong-Manson
Ghana midfielder Michael Essien made his first appearance for Chelsea in six months in the reserve fixture against West Brom on Monday.
The 29-year-old workhorse featured for 75 minutes in a match which the Blues lost 3-2.
The returning Essien had been a peripheral figure for much of the first half, but his influence began to grow as he cleverly used his experience to retain possession and break up play.
In the second half, he made a scoring attempt.
Lalkovic then crossed from the right and WBA goalkeeper Lewis had to be alert to tip over as the ball appeared to be dropping in. Essien went close with a header from the corner.
It was a comfortable outing for Essien and was another step in his rehabilitation.
He is not yet working with the first team and is expected to be back training with the squad towards the end of the month.
Chelsea manager Andre Villas-Boas will be delighted to see the box-to-box middle man close in on a first-team comeback as he prepares for the second half of the Premier League season.
Essien had to undergo surgery after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament and meniscus in his right knee during pre-season training.
His return to fitness came too late for him to make the Ghana squad for the African Cup of Nations which begins on 21st January.
Essien was omitted from Chelsea Uefa Champions League squad before the season got underway but he could be now registered for the knock-out stages.