Essien ready for Ghana return
Reuters - Wednesday 01 June 2011, 18:12
ACCRA - Michael Essien is set to play his
first international for 18 months on Friday, his return bringing
joy to Ghana's new coach Goran Stevanovic.
"When I took this job I made his return a priority and he
promised he would return in June which is what he has done,"
Stevanovic told the Ghana Football Association website.
"He is a great player and a great man and we are happy to
have him back."
The Chelsea midfielder, who has been in self-imposed exile
from international football, is poised to play on Friday against
Congo in an African Nations Cup qualifier in Kumasi.
Essien last appeared for the Black Stars at the 2010 African
Nations Cup finals where he played only 45 minutes before
suffering a serious knee injury in training.
Stevanovic has been coach since January but Friday's game is
his home debut.
Ghana lead Group I on goal difference from Sudan while Congo
are third, four points adrift.