Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac insists Michael Essien's involvement in the FIFA World Cup™ is vital, not just to his country but to the tournament itself. The 27-year-old Chelsea midfielder missed a large part of last season due to knee and ankle injuries and has hardly played any competitive football since December, making him a major doubt for the trip to South Africa. But his national boss is hoping he will be fit.
"Essien is an important player, not only for Ghana but for the World Cup," Rajevac told the Ghana Football Association (GFA) website. "He is one of the best players in the world and the World Cup is an assembly of the best. Ghana wants him there, the organisers want him there and the world wants him there. Argentina is going and people want to see (Lionel) Messi, Portugal is going and people want to see (Cristiano) Ronaldo, Ghana is going and people want to see Essien."
Essien, who was due to meet officials from both club and country in London this week, will reportedly link up with the Black Stars at their French base camp on Friday. Rajevac revealed that he was expecting Essien to be fit, but insisted that he did have contingency plans.
"I am confident he can make it," he said. "But if he doesn't make it we have to do without him. There are other young and hungry players who will be equally passionate to play."
The Serbian coach is also awaiting news on defender John Mensah and striker Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, who are yet to be passed 100% fit for the June 11 to July 11 competition. But he is confident, adding: "I hope all (injuries) are cleared before (the World Cup) starts. Some are experiencing injuries. But the World Cup is the best show for the best players in the world. I hope all will come. The competition gathers the best squads and the best players will be there. Once the players are fit, they will come and some would make a big mark."
"Essien is an important player, not only for Ghana but for the World Cup," Rajevac told the Ghana Football Association (GFA) website. "He is one of the best players in the world and the World Cup is an assembly of the best. Ghana wants him there, the organisers want him there and the world wants him there. Argentina is going and people want to see (Lionel) Messi, Portugal is going and people want to see (Cristiano) Ronaldo, Ghana is going and people want to see Essien."
Essien, who was due to meet officials from both club and country in London this week, will reportedly link up with the Black Stars at their French base camp on Friday. Rajevac revealed that he was expecting Essien to be fit, but insisted that he did have contingency plans.
"I am confident he can make it," he said. "But if he doesn't make it we have to do without him. There are other young and hungry players who will be equally passionate to play."
The Serbian coach is also awaiting news on defender John Mensah and striker Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu, who are yet to be passed 100% fit for the June 11 to July 11 competition. But he is confident, adding: "I hope all (injuries) are cleared before (the World Cup) starts. Some are experiencing injuries. But the World Cup is the best show for the best players in the world. I hope all will come. The competition gathers the best squads and the best players will be there. Once the players are fit, they will come and some would make a big mark."
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