The Russia winger, 26, hopes to return to training in the next few days and is looking to be in contention for a return to competitive action when Chelsea face Burnley on August 29.

Reports back home suggested he would need an operation to alleviate the problem with his right knee but Zhirkov quickly put the record straight.

“I don’t know who spread these rumours, but they don’t correspond to reality,” said Zhirkov. “My condition has improved and the doctors say that in two or three days I will be able to return to training, although not fully. I’ll work on an individual programme.

“I was feeling pain and noticeably limping when running, but now that’s behind me. I just need to tone up the leg.”

Zhirkov’s injury worsened after his appearance for Chelsea against AC Milan on the US tour.

Chelsea have started superbly without Zhirkov – beating Hull and Sunderland to give new coach Carlo Ancelotti an unbeaten start to his managerial career in England.

England midfielder Frank Lampard is delighted the Blues have notched back-to-back victories.

Chelsea made a fine start last term but a mid-season slump cost them the chance of winning the title and ended the reign of former coach Luiz Felipe Scolari.

Lampard believes they will be in with a chance of lifting the title if they can maintain their form and avoid another mid-season disaster.

“Hull was a very difficult game and Sunderland was potentially very difficult too. Steve Bruce was always going to have them flying,” said Lampard.

“It’s a long way to go and it’s just a good start. Of course you want to get your noses in front early on and if we can get a good start and not have the mid-season we had last year then we’ll have a great chance.”

Meanwhile Portugal midfielder Deco has revealed how he rejected other offers this summer to remain at Stamford Bridge.

Deco failed to make his mark last season after joining from Barcelona but the Portugal international blames his poor year on a succession of injuries.

“Last season was the worst season of my career because I never had so many injuries before,” said Deco.

“This season things can be different. I know I am well and fit and I can play. I want to help the team and I think the coach trusts me.

“I have a contract and they respect me here – the fans, the people in the club and the new coach. I had other offers but I never said that I want to go.

“I just said the last season was difficult and I wouldn’t like this one to be like the last one – but I talked with the club and the coach and the first time he said he wanted to keep me in the squad, I said okay, I want to stay.”