Chelsea’s Michael Essien rules out Ghana return for upcoming matches against England and Congo

Ghana – Junior Agogo – Michael Essien

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Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has promised Ghanaians he will return to the national team, but not before the Nations Cup qualifier against Congo and the friendly against England in March.

Black Stars coach Goran Stevanovic is pressing for the 28-year-old’s quick return to the team, but it appears the former Partizan tactician has to wait for the midfield general to make himself available for selection again.

Stevanovic had already spoken to Essien and will be meeting him to outline his plans.

“I told him [Stevanovic] I will definitely return to the Ghana squad, but we didn’t talk about dates and I didn’t tell him I was available to play in March,” Essien told his official website. “I am not sure where those stories came from.”

“When I decided to take a break I knew some Ghanaians would be disappointed, but I felt at the time it was the right decision after two horrible injuries. Hopefully when I come back into the Ghanaian team the break will be beneficial for the Ghana team and I.

“I don’t want Ghanaians to believe these stories and then in March be disappointed that I am not in the team. I will definitely return to the team at some point in the future however it won’t be for the upcoming games. I haven’t told the coach or anyone else that.”

The former Lyon player said he is unperturbed with comments, be they negative or positive regarding his “mini break” from the Black Stars.

He added: “I think they are all fair comments and I have no issues with that at all. It’s Ghana’s team and I am no different from any other player when it comes to selection. The coach decides who should play from the team available to him and I respect all the comments passed about selection and availability.

“All I can say to Ghanaians is that I had two bad injuries and they were part of the reason for taking a mini break. I had to give my body a chance and I can say so far so good.”

Essien also promised to be at Wembley Stadium to support his team-mates when they face England for the first time at senior level.