Missing since December and a major doubt for the remainder of the campaign, Michael Essien has explained what has prevented his progress over the last few weeks.
The Ghanaian midfielder also admits he is unsure whether he will make the World Cup, having already missed the majority of the African Nations in January, the problem now being bruising rather than the meniscus tear he suffered on international duty.
'I started doing a little bit of running recently which was a big step forward but that led to some pain on the head of my fibula bone,' said the 27-year-old. 'A scan showed that I had some bruising there so I had to stop running and I am now taking it easy until the bruising dies down.
'It's a bit of a set back because up until then things had been going well and my actual knee is fine. It's just the bruising that's stopping me now.
'Unfortunately I don't think I will be making a repeat of last season and may not be returning for the last few games and the FA Cup Final,' he admitted. 'As far as Chelsea goes I think my season is finished.'
It is a tough blow for Essien, who has been restricted to 22 appearances this season but he still holds slim hopes of boarding the plane to South Africa.
'I'm not too sure about the World Cup just yet,' he said. '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.'
The Ghanaian midfielder also admits he is unsure whether he will make the World Cup, having already missed the majority of the African Nations in January, the problem now being bruising rather than the meniscus tear he suffered on international duty.
'I started doing a little bit of running recently which was a big step forward but that led to some pain on the head of my fibula bone,' said the 27-year-old. 'A scan showed that I had some bruising there so I had to stop running and I am now taking it easy until the bruising dies down.
'It's a bit of a set back because up until then things had been going well and my actual knee is fine. It's just the bruising that's stopping me now.
'Unfortunately I don't think I will be making a repeat of last season and may not be returning for the last few games and the FA Cup Final,' he admitted. 'As far as Chelsea goes I think my season is finished.'
It is a tough blow for Essien, who has been restricted to 22 appearances this season but he still holds slim hopes of boarding the plane to South Africa.
'I'm not too sure about the World Cup just yet,' he said. '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.'
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