Essien confirms Ghana return but uncertain about date

Published on: 18 February 2011

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien has confirmed that he will return to the Black Stars but has not reached an agreement over the exact date.

Black Stars new coach Goran Stevanovic was of the understanding that the Chelsea enforcer will rejoin his national team colleagues from next month.

That view was also echoed by Ghana FA boss Kwesi Nyantakyi in an interview this week.

The Chelsea star has not played for his country since suffering two serious injuries while playing for the Black Stars last year.

Essien says he spoke with Stevanovic on Thursday to confirm his return but he is seeking the clear the misunderstanding over the exact date.

“I told him I will definitely return to the Ghana squad but we didn't talk about dates and I didn't tell him I was available to play in March,” Essien said on his official website.

“I don't want Ghanaians to believe these stories and then in March be disappointed that I am not in the team.

“I will definitely return to the team at some point in the future however it won’t be for the upcoming games.

“I haven't told the coach or anyone else that.

“When I decided to take a break I knew some Ghanaians will be disappointed but I felt at the time it was the right decision after two horrible injuries.

“Hopefully when I come back into the Ghanaian team the break will be beneficial for the Ghana team and I.”

He suffered the first injury while playing against Libya in 2010 World Cup qualifier in September 2009.

Essien hastened his return for his country at the Africa Cup of last year but suffered another setback in his first game at the tournament in Angola.

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