Chelsea boss Guus Hiddink is delighted to have Michael Essien available to him.

"I think it's very important from now until the end of the season to have a big squad in terms of numbers and quality," said Hiddink.

"Essien has come back so we have more depth in quality in the squad. He can make his contribution like he did in the past. He was out for many, many months, so it's not easy for him to get the rhythm of the game from the first minute he plays.

"But he's very strong, a very positive guy and he can have a huge impact for the rest of the season.

"He will be in the 18, so he's ready to start. Let's see what will happen. We can either start with him or bring him on later, as we did at Coventry, but he's okay and in the squad for the match."