John Mikel Obi is happy to be back in the groove at Cobham, after sitting out the end of last season with injury.
Ankle and knee problems sustained in April meant the Nigeria international was sidelined as we secured both the Barclays Premier League and the FA Cup in May, and he had to return home from the World Cup before the competition had started.
Since then he has been in rehabilitation, and is pleased to report the problems, which required minor surgery, are now behind him.
'It was really frustrating to miss out but at the same time I was obviously happy that we won the Double,' said the 23-year-old.
'Since I came home from South Africa I've been here, working hard on my knee and making sure I am ready for the start of the season.
'I'm fully involved now with pre-season training and have started the double sessions. It is going really well, the training is good and the weather has been fantastic, and we are all working hard. I look forward to the rest of the squad joining us and I hope it can be another good season.'
In a similar position to Mikel is Michael Essien, who has not featured since December but like his fellow midfielder is nearing a return to full fitness, and has been fully involved in training so far.
Asked whether this means more competition for a midfield place this year, Mikel said: 'I don't know, I'm working hard and whatever decisions there are are for the manager.
'It is very good to have Essien back. He has been out for a long time, and I hope we can play together in the middle, that would be great.'
It remains to be seen whether the pair will be back and ready for match action in time for our first pre-season friendly at Crystal Palace on July 17, but with Michael Ballack departed, their presence in the centre of the park will be as important as ever come the season's start.
Ankle and knee problems sustained in April meant the Nigeria international was sidelined as we secured both the Barclays Premier League and the FA Cup in May, and he had to return home from the World Cup before the competition had started.
Since then he has been in rehabilitation, and is pleased to report the problems, which required minor surgery, are now behind him.
'It was really frustrating to miss out but at the same time I was obviously happy that we won the Double,' said the 23-year-old.
'Since I came home from South Africa I've been here, working hard on my knee and making sure I am ready for the start of the season.
'I'm fully involved now with pre-season training and have started the double sessions. It is going really well, the training is good and the weather has been fantastic, and we are all working hard. I look forward to the rest of the squad joining us and I hope it can be another good season.'
In a similar position to Mikel is Michael Essien, who has not featured since December but like his fellow midfielder is nearing a return to full fitness, and has been fully involved in training so far.
Asked whether this means more competition for a midfield place this year, Mikel said: 'I don't know, I'm working hard and whatever decisions there are are for the manager.
'It is very good to have Essien back. He has been out for a long time, and I hope we can play together in the middle, that would be great.'
It remains to be seen whether the pair will be back and ready for match action in time for our first pre-season friendly at Crystal Palace on July 17, but with Michael Ballack departed, their presence in the centre of the park will be as important as ever come the season's start.
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