Inter midfielder Sulley Muntari said on Thursday said he hoped compatriot Essien would one day join him at the Nerazzurri.

"Sure, many clubs want Essien, but he's Chelsea's and I think he's happy here," Scolari was quoted as saying by English media.

Essien has been out of action since September after rupturing the anterior cruciate ligament while on international duty.

"There is good news every day for me about Michael. He recovers more quickly than we had thought," Scolari said.

"But I don't want to put pressure on him, although I think he'll be back sooner than we expected."