Why hasn't Michael Essien started games for Chelsea?

Last season at Real Madrid, Michael Essien featured heavily for Jose Mourinho at right back. This season however, Essien has remained a bit part player. What is happening with “The Bison“?

The main himself was questioned about his lack of playing time this season and has responded by saying, “I am not worried to sit on the bench at Chelsea. I am an experienced player to cope with this situation. I will continue with my hard work and training and I hope my time will come to start games for Chelsea.”

I personally have been surprised that Essien has hardly featured at all. Think back to pre-season and he was outstanding and literally bossed the midfield in games. Against Arsenal when he played again he was outstanding and proved once again he still has it and he can still cope with playing at the top level.

When Chelsea play either Mikel, Ramires or Frank Lampard in the middle of midfield and in the holding positions, I look at them and think that we miss a real physical presence and Essien gives us that option so I often wonder why he hasn’t started or at least come on as a substitute to sure things up!

What do you Chelsea fans think of Essien these days and his current situation? Do you agree with me or do you think that he isn’t the same player after the problems he has had with his knees even though he seems to be fully fit?