Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho says Ghanaian international Michael Essien is one the players who are untouchable in his Chelsea squad.

Ahead of Chelsea’s vital game against Arsenal on Sunday Mourinho said the performance of Essien means he will be present for all the key games this season.

"Claude Makelele, Michael Essien and Frank Lampard are untouchable because of the way they play, not because I love them.

"Michael Ballack is untouchable because of the way he plays. John Terry is untouchable. Ricardo Carvalho, Ashley Cole and Didier Drogba - they are untouchable."

Essien has followed up his superb displays for Ghana at the 2006 world cup with a number of stirring displays for Chelsea in the English premiership and the European champions league and has been the only Chelsea player to appear in all the club’s games this season.

"He has been one of Chelsea's best players this season despite not playing in his best position.

"He is powerful, intelligent and good technically - all the qualities you need to do well in the Champions League," Desailly told BBC Sport.

"Essien wasn't yet a top player when he arrived. Lyon is a big club, but it's not Milan, Barcelona or Chelsea," he added.

"But the quality was there and has come through he has been fantastic.”