Essien return has Ghana excited

The Ghana Football Association has expressed its delight at the return of star player Michael Essien from injury.

The Chelsea midfielder has been off the pitch for about six months because of a serious knee injury and as a result missed selection for Ghana’s Africa Cup of Nations campaign in Gabon and Equatorial Guinea this month.

But after Essien made his return for Chelsea at the weekend, GFA president Kwesi Nyantakyi said his return was a major boost to both club and country.

“The Ghana Football Association is happy to see Michael Essien return to first team duties and wish him well in his bid to return to full fitness,” Nyantakyi said in a statement.

“Though we would be missing him at the African Nations Cup as he continues with his recuperation, we wish him success and pray that he would stay strong as his return would be a turning point in his career.”

“We would continue to offer him support and hope we both achieve success.”

Essien came on as a 73rd minute substitute in Chelsea’s 1-0 win over Sunderland on Saturday.