The tournament starting in January is the top prize in African football but means around a month out of domestic action for those picked, with Chelsea braced to lose Essien, Didier Drogba, Mikel John Obi and Salomon Kalou.

Essien, 24, believes that making it an out-of-season competition like the European Championships would have the support of players who do not want to miss a chunk of the Premier League campaign.

"If they can change it would be good for us, we the players and it would be good the clubs too," said Essien.

"You have to leave in January which is a difficult month for the club, but you have to leave and go and help your country. If they can change it would be good for us."

Boss Jose Mourinho has planned for the loss of his African players as Chelsea look to win the title back from Manchester United, although Essien and Drogba in particular have been seen as vital to their challenge.

"I think the new players here are really very good, they fit in really well," added Essien. "I think we have good players to fit in whilst we are away, so I don't think it will be a problem. I hope not."

Injury to John Terry last season saw Essien fill in at centre-back, where he impressed as a deputy but could not influence games as he does in midfield.

"I'm always ready to play anywhere the boss asks me to play because he knows I can do the job," he said.

"We were unlucky at certain points last season. These things happen in football. Now everything that happened last season is past, we have to focus and work really hard and see what happens this year.

"Last season is gone now, we have a new season coming up with new faces and we are looking forward to winning the title back. We're going to work really hard and see what happens."

Terry has been ruled out for this season's opener against Birmingham, although Mourinho has stated his plan to unleash Essien in midfield if possible.

Chelsea need a win or a draw to go 64 Premier League matches unbeaten at Stamford Bridge, edging ahead of Liverpool's efforts at Anfield between 1978 and 1981.

Boss Mourinho said: "If we beat the record, respect goes to every player who have played during the games.

"I don't think anyone would believe it at the start of the record. I know my teams are very strong, especially at home. I know how to build a strong team with a strong mentality at home but people would think it would be too far to beat this record."

The clash against Birmingham will also offer an assessment of how fans view the situation of Frank Lampard, who has 22 months left on his contract and has not agreed a fresh deal.

"Frank is a fantastic player," said Essien. "He can do anything on the pitch. He is a really top player, a world-class player."

Lampard has been tipped to skipper Chelsea against Birmingham following the knee injury to Terry, while Michael Ballack and Wayne Bridge miss out as they recover from surgery.