Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink has been boosted by the recovery of long-term injury victim Michael Essien.

Essien, out for six months with knee ligament damage, is to play against Aston Villa in the reserves next week.

"He is developing very well and working hard," said Hiddink. "He has a good attitude and an open guy.

"We worked with him in some tough five and eight-a-side games and we plan to play him in the reserves at Aston Villa on Monday."