Ghana midfield powerhouse Michael Essien is poised to hand the Black Stars a massive boost at the World Cup as he is expected to return to action on Sunday. The English Premier League star has been out of action since January and he will end his injury induced three-month absence against Stoke in a crucial game. Ghanasoccernet reported on Monday that the enforcer will be rushed back by Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti and now the English papers says he will play on Sunday to help Chelsea win the league. This means if he avoids injury before the end of the season he will be match fit to play for Ghana at the 2010 World Cup to be held in South Africa. Essien has not played for the Blues since limping out of the Champions League draw with Apoel Nicosia on December 8. On recovering he joined the Black Stars and he damaged knee ligaments at the African Cup of Nations duty the in Angola in January. The Blues boss had been cautious about Essien’s prospects as his recovery stalled even when he flew to France for specialist treatment. But the midfielder will be back in full training at Chelsea’s Cobham base this week and is hopeful of making the squad for the must-win game against Tony Pulis’ Potters. And with Ancelotti keen to have Essien in his starting side for the trip to Anfield the following week, it is likely the African will make an appearance at Stamford Bridge to get up to match pace at the start of the four-game period which will decide if Chelsea are Double winners or end the season with nothing for their efforts. Source: Ghanasoccernet.com