Essien Returns To Match Action

Michael Essien Milovan Rajevac gets a major boost for Ghana's upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifiers as midfielder Michael Essien returned to match action from a 6-month injury lay-off.

Essien, playing for Chelsea's reserves in their Monday evening defeat against Aston Villa, scored on his return as he lasted 90 minutes in what was his first game since rupturing anterior cruciate ligaments in a World Cup qualifier in Libya on September 5.

The availability of the midfielder, according to a delighted Chelsea coach Guus Hiddink, gives the Blues more options.

"We are going into the decisive months and it is good for a manager to have a full squad," Hiddink says.

"It is a luxury as a manager to have thoughts before a game over who to play. I have also seen Essien in training sessions and he is very close." Essien's return certainly means he will be available for the Black Stars when they take on Benin when the 2010 World Cup qualifiers resume on March 29 at the Baba Yara Stadium.