Ghana Football Association president Kwesi Nyantekyie has confirmed Michael Essien will return for Ghana's next Nations Cup qualifier against Congo. The Chelsea midfielder sought to be excused from Black Stars duties after the 2010 World Cup to concentrate on his recovery from a long term injury but the GFA boss says Essien has indicated to them he will be available for selection next year. "Essien never said he will not play for Ghana again," Nyantekyie pointed out. "He merely asked for time away from the team but has now told us he will be available for selection in March." Essien's last appearance for the Black Stars came in the group stages of the 2010 Nations Cup when he played for forty five minutes against Ivory Coast. He spent more than six months on the sidelines while the Black Stars reached the final of the Nations Cup and the quarter-finals of the World Cup in the process but has been in fantastic form since his return to fitness. Source: Kickoff.com