Video: Essien reveals huge injury boost for Ghana at World Cup

 

 

 

 

Ghana’s injured midfielder Michael Essien has given the Black Stars a huge World Cup boost by revealing that there is a chance he could be fit before the tournament starts next month.

The Chelsea ace added that he could even play in the Black Stars last friendly against Latvia in Milton Keynes on 5 June before in the World Cup starts in South Africa.

There are fears that Essien could miss the tournament because of a serious knee injury he suffered at the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola in January.

He has since not played for his club Chelsea with doctors uncertain over his return date but Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac included the influential enforcer his provisional 30-man squad.

But his appearance in Chelsea league title winning celebrations when he was jumping up and down hinted of his return from injury.

VIDEO: Essien celebrating Chelsea's title win

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Essien has now given the Black Stars a huge lift by revealing for the first time that he could be ready the first World Cup to be hosted in Africa.

Asked whether Black Stars fans will see him in action at the World Cup Essien said: “That is the plan at least.

“I have to keep working hard to be fit and I can assure you I am doing that.

“Once I am fit I hope to feature in at least one trial match before the World Cup starts.

“I haven’t played since January as you well know so I will need games before the real thing starts.”

The Chelsea enforcer says even if he doesn’t play in the last friendly before the World Cup he will be I good shape to help the Black Stars if he is cleared by doctors.

“Even if I don’t get any trial games, as long I am declared fit by the medical team then I will be in South Africa for sure,” he said.

Essien’s inclusion in the Black Stars final 23 list will be a huge boost as he is one of the key players in the team.

Ghana have been drawn to play Serbia, Australia and Germany in Group D of the World Cup.