Michael Essien has given a rather positive picture of his chances of making summer's World Cup finals with Ghana insisting that he will not rush his return from injury.

The Ghana midfielder's rehabilitation from a knee injury sustained while on international duty at the African Cup of Nations in January has suffered some complications.

Essien, who would miss the rest of the domestic season still hopes to make the World Cup only when fit rather than worsen the situation and is for now sticking to his rehabilitation.

The 27-year-old told Chelsea's official website: "I'm not too sure about the World Cup just yet.

"I will just have to wait and see what happens and take it day by day. There are a couple of other players in my position - Fernando Torres and Cesc Fabregas spring to mind.

"Unfortunately you can't control when injuries will happen, but knowing the World Cup is on the horizon is certainly an incentive to keep working. But, I also have to keep an eye on the bigger picture.

"The most important thing now is to get myself back to full fitness. If I can make it in time for the World Cup then great, but if not I still have my whole career ahead of me and that is more important than anything.

"The last thing I want to do is rush back too soon and cause further problems down the line."