Source: Team_Talk
Ghana chief gutted by Essien blow
Ghana boss Milovan Rajevac has voiced his sadness at the news that Michael Essien will miss the World Cup.[LNB] The Chelsea midfielder has been sidelined since the African Cup of Nations in January but Rajevac had been hopeful he would prove his fitness before this summer's global tournament.[LNB]However, Ghana confirmed on Thursday that it would take the 27-year-old longer to recover from a knee injury than initially expected.[LNB]Rajevac admits that it is a major blow to be heading to South Africa without a player of Essien's class.[LNB]"I am really disappointed that Michael Essien will not be at the World Cup for Ghana as a player," Rajevac told the Ghana Football Association website.[LNB]"He is an important player on and off the field but we can't use him this time.[LNB]"Essien brings lots of advantages. He brings so many things to the team and always gives us options.[LNB]"It's most unfortunate."[LNB]Rajevac is desperate for the other players in his squad to stand up and be counted as Ghana prepare to face Germany, Australia and Serbia in Group D.[LNB]He added: "I hope and believe that the other players would give off their best.[LNB]"We want to achieve with this team and must work hard.[LNB]"We will focus on the task ahead and hope we have a good World Cup.[LNB]"I hope the past experiences with injuries, though unfortunate will help us stay united and fight for each other."
