The Ghana Football Association has congratulated midfielder Michael Essien on his return to top-tier football after a six month injury lay-off.Â
The 29-year-old was a second half substitute for Chelsea in their 1-0 success over Sunderland in the English Premier League on Saturday.
Essien replaced goalscorer Frank Lampard on 73 minutes and had a standing ovation from the Chelsea faithful.
He suffered a training ground injury on his knee during pre-season last summer and had to undergo surgery.
A statement on the Ghana FA's official website read: "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.
"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 last played for Ghana in June during a Nations Cup qualifier against Congo at the Baba Yara Stadium.
His return will be a boost for the Black Stars ahead of the 2014 Fifa World Cup qualifiers which begin in June this year.