Key duo 'looking good' for Chelsea

Chelsea are set to be given a boost in their battle to defend the Premier League title (Chelsea 6/4 to lift the trophy) by the return to fitness of two key midfielders.

Michael Essien and John Mikel Obi have both been struggling with knee injuries that forced them to miss the World Cup, but are set to recover in time for when the Blues open their Premier League campaign against West Brom on August 14 (Chelsea 1/6 to win, West Brom 12/1, 5/1 draw - 90 minutes).

The duo have reported for pre-season training and Chelsea assistant manager Ray Wilkins has told Chelsea TV things are looking good and there are "no problems" with either Essien or Mikel at this stage.

"John Obi is slightly in advance of Michael Essien but they are both working very well indeed," he said.

"They have been working double sessions for the last week and we will get them really firing before the season starts."

Wilkins added that Chelsea are looking to take special precautions with their World Cup players to ensure they do not "hit a wall" later in the season - especially as they will be needed at key periods if they are to beat Manchester United (5/2 to win the title) to the Premier League title for a second successive season.

It remains undetermined whether Ashley Cole will remain a Chelsea player by the time the Premier league kicks-off, especially as Iker Casillas has told The Sun he is "confident" the left-back will be a Real Madrid player next season.