Friday Jan 13 2006 15:06
Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has been omitted from Ghana's squad for the African Nations Cup, which gets underway in Egypt next week.
The £24million man looked set to miss the competition after suffering an ankle injury as the result of a bad challenge from Nigel Reo-Coker during the Blues' 3-1 win at West ham on January 3.
However, his recovery has progressed more quickly than expected and he was able to return to training this week, prompting suggestions he would be named in Ratomir Dujkovic's final 23-man squad for the tournament.
Chelsea were known to be unhappy about the prospect of a player who has only recently returned from injury being away on international duty for three weeks, but Dujkovic's decision has saved them from becoming involved in an argument with the Ghana FA and FIFA about Essien's participation.
It also guarantees that the 23-year-old will be free to return to first-team action for Chelsea before the tournament finishes on February 10.
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