Ghanaian international Michael Essien says he has no idea about exactly when he will return despite Felipe Scolari's suggestion that he could be returning as early January.

Essien, currently at the Centre Technique National Fernand-Sastre (CTNFS) in Clairefontaine, France, is a key component of the Ghana side that will be seeking a second straight world cup appearance in 2010 and his recovery will be followed closely here.

He told the France Football Federation website that he was not thinking of a comeback yet even though he is definite he will be playing again in 4-6 months.

"It's the first time in my career that I have been so seriously injured," he said.

"It's difficult for the moment to fix a date for my return. But I know that my recovery period will last a total of four to six months.

"At the moment I'm not thinking about it much. I'm following the treatment calmly. Everything's going well."

The time Essien has set himself for a comeback could mean an early January return or a March comeback both of which should see him line up for Ghana against Benin in the opening game of the second round of the 2010 qualifiers.