The Black Stars' World Cup campaign has been boosted with the timely return of midfield dynamo, Michael Essien. Essien returned to full match fitness after tearing a knee ligament in the Stars' preliminary World Cup campaign against Libya in Tripoli in September last year. After six months on the sidelines, Essien scored on his debut match for Chelsea against Aston Villa on Monday night. Journalist and commentator Michael Oti Adjei told Joy News the return of Essien should be a good omen for the Stars who have been ruffled with injuries to key players. Strikers Asamoah Gyan, Mathew Amoah and mid-fielder Laryea Kingston are doubtful for the Stars' opening World Cup campaign against Benin in Kumasi on 28th March, 2009. Oti Adjei reckons, Essien’s return will lessen the headache for coach Milovan Rajevac. He dismissed assertions of rustiness from the Chelsea lynchpin, saying, he has no doubt Essien after playing three premier league games for Chelsea will explode for the Stars in their game against Benin. Story by Nathan Gadugah