Ghana coach Kwesi Appiah received a boost on Thursday when midfielder Michael Essien returned to full training a day after sitting out with an injury.

Essien, who watched from the sidelines on Wednesday in Maceio as the rest of the squad trained after picking up a toe injury against the United States in the opening World Cup Group G match.

The midfielder trained with the squad, taking part in all the drills as the Black Stars prepare for their next game against Germany on Saturday.