Torres is still to make an impact at Stamford Bridge after failing to score in 10 appearances since his British record £50million move from Liverpool.

Chelsea are yet to find the best way to accommodate the Spanish World Cup winner and some pundits have questioned the value of his move, but Essien has appealed for patience.

The 28-year-old Ghana international said: "To be honest, we're not concerned. We know it's going to come.

"He's been working very hard and has everyone's support.

"We just have to be patient. He'll start scoring for us in time."

Essien believes the return of Yossi Benayoun to fitness could help bring the best out of Torres.

Benayoun, who returned against Wigan on Saturday after six months out with an Achilles injury, played alongside Torres at Liverpool and has claimed the Spaniard is the best striker in the world.

Essien said: "Yes, I think Yossi's right.

"Nando is one of the best strikers in the world, in Europe at this moment.

"When he starts scoring, all the noise about him will stop. It's just a matter of time.

"Coming into a new club, he needs to settle. The players and the club have no doubts about him. We know he's going to deliver."

Manager Carlo Ancelotti has confirmed Torres will feature in the second leg of Chelsea's Champions League quarter-final against Manchester United at Old Trafford tomorrow, but not said if he will start.

Chelsea trail 1-0 after last week's first encounter and the club's season could rest on their ability to overturn the deficit.

Essien accepts the odds will favour the home side.

He said: "It's always difficult to come here and win at Old Trafford. To win here we have to be at our best and the better team.

"Tomorrow we have to do our best to get to the semi-final. That's what we're going to try and do, step up our game and, if we win tomorrow, we go through to the semi-finals."