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. 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.However, Ghana confirmed on Thursday that it would take the 27-year-old longer to recover from a knee injury than initially expected.Rajevac admits that it is a major blow to be heading to South Africa without a player of Essien's class."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."He is an important player on and off the field but we can't use him this time."Essien brings lots of advantages. He brings so many things to the team and always gives us options."It's most unfortunate."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.He added: "I hope and believe that the other players would give off their best."We want to achieve with this team and must work hard."We will focus on the task ahead and hope we have a good World Cup."I hope the past experiences with injuries, though unfortunate will help us stay united and fight for each other."

Source: Team_Talk