The father of Ghanaian influential midfielder, Michael Essien, says he is confused and saddened by the news that his son has been ruled out of the FIFA World Cup in South Africa due to injury. Michael Essien, who had long been recovering from a knee injury he sustained during the Africa Cup of Nations in January, was hoping to recover in time to make a second World Cup appearance. According to the Ghana Football Association, an evaluation by a combined team of medical experts from the GFA and Chelsea Football Club concluded that Essien will not make full recovery until the end of July. Mr. James Essien, in an interview on the Citi Eyewitness News on Thursday, May 27, said he is utterly disappointed that his son would not take part in Ghana’s campaign at the World Cup adding that the absence of Essien would be a big blow to Ghana. He added that he has not been able to eat upon hearing the news that his son will be unable to make it to South Africa. “I am disappointed that he (Essien) will not take part in the World Cup, I was so sad when I heard it. It pains me a lot. I have not eaten the since I heard that he will not be with the team in South Africa”. Mr. James Essien, who in recent times has had some family problems with his son over an allegation of neglect, told Citi Fm that he has been fervently praying for his son to recover in time for the world Cup but it is rather unfortunate that his recovery has not been successful. “I have been praying for him every day to recover but it is very bad that it would not be possible for him to make it.” Mr. Essien added that he is confident that the rest of the players in the Black Stars camp are equally competent to make up for Essien’s absence. Ghana has been drawn in Group D of the World Cup in South Africa, and will face Serbia, Germany and Australia as they look to progress to the knockout stages of the competition. Source: Citifmonline.com/Ghana