Michael Essien has not set for himself a specific date for a comeback but Chelsea coach, Luiz Felipe Scolari says he is happy with the Ghana midfielder's recovery rate from injury.

The 25 year-old midfielder has been out injured since July whiles playing for the national team.

Though reports had claimed a six-month lay off, Scolari believes it could be sooner rather than later as Essien, who had been expected to be out for most of the season, is working overtime to be fit.

He said: "Michael Essien is good news for me everyday. He is recovering quicker than we thought.

"He comes here at 10.30 in the morning and doesn't go until four in the afternoon. He tries to come back early. It is good for us. He is a fantastic example for other players.

"I don't want to put pressure on him but I think we will have good news sooner than we expected."

Even before he returns to the field, Essien is been sought after with Black Stars colleague, Sulley Muntari relishing a dream reunion with the Chelsea player at Inter Milan - a side coached by Essien's former Chelsea coach, Jose Mourinho.

But Chelsea boss, Luiz Felipe Scolari has issued a 'hands off' warning over Michael Essien, despite a whole host of other top clubs coveting the midfielder.

Scolari insists he wants to keep Essien, who is currently battling to regain fitness after damaging his cruciate knee ligament while playing for Ghana in September.

The Chelsea boss said: "Inter, AC Milan, Barcelona and Real Madrid all want Essien but he is injured and he is at Chelsea.

"If I stay for three years I don't want him out, I want him to stay with me.

"This is because he is very good player who can play in five positions very well. He is young and dedicated. He is our player and I think he is happy here."