Emmanuel Agyemang Badu says it is fundamental for Ghana that Michael Essien features for the Black Stars at the World Cup and says the entire nation must hope the Chelsea star returns in time. Essien has not ruled out an appearance at the tournament, but says he will not rush a return if it will harm his long-term career. Badu, who played in all of Ghana’s games at the 2010 Nations Cup, could be one of the key beneficiaries of Essien’s absence, but he says it would benefit the team overall if the Chelsea man is in the side. “It will be really sad if he is not able to make it,” Badu tells KickOffGhana.com. “There is time between now and the World Cup and we have to hope and pray he is available to play his part because he is a world-class player who brings so much to the team. “The players in the side want him there because they know how well things go when he is in the side. As younger ones he does not just give inspiration, he is a great person to learn from.” Source: Michael Oti Adjei/Kickoff.com