The midfielder should play his first game for Ghana since the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations group game against Ivory Coast on Saturday, and joined his teammates for training on Monday.
“It is really good to have Michael back because we all know he is a quality player, he brings so much to a team,” Ghana captain John Mensah tells KickOffGhana.com ahead of the Nations Cup qualifier against Congo. “We have done well in his absence but a player like that always brings something special in a team.”
Anthony Annan, who has played several games in midfield alongside Essien, reckons the team have the ‘fear factor’ back with his presence.
“When you are playing a team with Essien in, it really helps. I just hopes he stays injury free because he has suffered a lot of it. The players are just happy to see him back in the side.”
Essien opted to take some time off international football after missing close to a year’s action following an injury at the 2010 Nations Cup.
He put back a planned return for March but after the intervention of new boss Goran Stevanovic has made himself available again.
“When I took this job I made his return a priority and he promised he will return in June which is what he has done. He is a great player and a great man and we are happy to have him back,” Stevanovic says.
