Ghana international Michael Essien has began full scale training with Greek giants Panathinaikos and is likely to feature for the Super League giants after the international break.
The former Real Madrid and Chelsea midfielder, 32, trained fully with the Greens squad for the first time since joining the club and could make his debut after the international break.
With new Panathinaikos manager Andrea Stramaccioni supervising training the enforcer trained tireless to impress the former Inter Milan and AS Roma tactician, 39.
Stramaccioni, who worked with Ghana midfielder Alfred Duncan during his time at Inter Milan, is a big-time admirer of Essien and wants him available for Panathinaikos's Greek derby clash with rivals Olympiakos.
He takes over at a time Panathinaikos have opened streets gaps at the top of the league after ten league games and will need Essien's experience in midfield to salvage a win against the rivals and win the confidence of the Panathinaikos fans.
Essien has not played competitive football for Panathinaikos due to injuries since joining them from AC Milan.