Ghana's Michael Essien says he wants to see Chelsea forget their champions league defeat in Barcelona and finish the season in style.

The Ghanaian was suspended from both legs of the Champions League clash with the Spanish side.

The Blues lost 3-2 on aggregate and the US$46million midfielder must watch the closing stages of the competition on television as his former club Lyon prepare for the quarter-finals.

Essien will be back in Jose Mourinho's squad for Saturday's league game against Tottenham when the Premiership champions hope to respond with another big step towards defending their title.

"Losing games is part of a long season," the 23 year old said.

"The loser has to put the defeat behind him in order to move forward."

"It is only when you find the ability to forget that you can go on and achieve greater things."

Winning the premiership now seems but Chelsea are in their worst run of form since Mourinho took over as manager.

Mourinho's team have won five, drawn four and lost two of their last 11 games in all competitions.

The reaction to their European heartbreak in Barcelona will determine whether they can surpass last season's success.