Essien may play against Congo

Accra, March 14, GNA - Ghana's Black Stars trainer, Goran Stevannvic has not completely ruled out a quicker international return for Chelsea midfielder, Michael Essien.

Essien has excused himself from the Black Stars double-decker against Congo and England later this month, but the Stars trainer has yet to take any definite decision on him.

Plavi as the Serb is known told GNA Sports that he will confirm on the participation of the Stars' midfielder in the next few days. "I should be able to confirm if he will be available in the next few days," said Plavi.

The response by the coach is in contrast to reports that Essien will not be part of the team as far as the Congo and England games are concerned.

The Coach said the Chelsea midfielder has willingly expressed his desire to return to national team at a meeting last held with him recently.

"Essien is a very good player and likes Ghana very much. My first impression while speaking with him was that he is interested in playing for the national team and I know it will be soon." The Chelsea midfielder has not played for the Black Stars after sustaining an injury at the 2010 Africa Cup of Nation in Angola. The injury subsequently forced him to miss the FIFA World Cup later in South Africa and series of matches for his club, Chelsea.