Michael Essien is hoping to put behind him a frustrating two injury-plagued seasons as Chelsea aim to defend their Barclays Premier League title.

The Ghana midfielder missed the majority of the last campaign following an injury while training with the national team at to the Africa Cup of Nations in January.

The injury came after a cruciate knee ligament injury restricted him to only 19 appearances the previous season when Chelsea struggled to third place in the league.

But Essien who has played all five of Chelsea's pre-season games, is now hoping for an injury-free season.

"It is good to have a pre-season under my belt, personally I think I have done well and I keep getting fitter the more games I play," the 27-year-old told Chelsea's website.

"I feel like I am ready for the season and I am looking forward to it so much. I think this season could be a big one.

"The last two seasons I didn't take too big a part in, I didn't start in one but finished it, then I started okay last season but didn't finish it, so this year has to be a good one and hopefully I will stay injury-free and help Chelsea win some trophies."

Essien, who was sidelined during the World Cup finals in South Africa, admits that injuries are part of the modern game.

"These injuries are part of football, so you have to take them when they come and not get too down about it," he added.

"I know a few years ago it could have been the end of my career but with new technologies, surgery and techniques things are good, so yeah, let's go again this season."