According to THE SUN, Micheal Essien aims to dish up a big surprise for Phil Scolari — a return to Chelsea duty a month earlier than planned.

The midfielder had feared he could be out until March after tearing knee ligaments four months ago. But he has told pals he now plans to be back early next month.

SunSport revealed how his mum had flown into London before Christmas to nurse the hardman back to health.

And a friend declared: “Michael’s injury has healed very well. He puts it down to his mum’s home cooking, though she has now returned to Ghana.”