Injured Essien in doubt for Ghana at African Cup

Injured Essien in doubt for Ghana at African Cup

Published Jan. 17, 2010 5:26 p.m. ET

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is in doubt for his country's last group game at the African Cup of Nations after injuring a knee in training.

The Chelsea midfielder had only returned from more than a month out due to a hamstring injury in Ghana's 3-1 loss to Ivory Coast on Friday.

Essien was taken to a Luanda hospital on Sunday to undergo checks, team spokesman Randy Abbey told the Associated Press.

"He picked up a knock at training and was taken to the hospital," he said. "We don't know the extent of the injury, but he has been released and rejoined his teammates at the hotel. He is now resting."

Ghana must beat Burkina Faso on Tuesday to reach the African Cup quarterfinals.

Essien arrived in Angola on Wednesday after poor weather in England delayed his flight. He started from the bench against Ivory Coast and played for 45 minutes.

The Black Stars midfielder only returned to training last week with Chelsea after being injured during the club's final Champions League group match against Apoel Nicosia at Stamford Bridge on Dec. 8.

Ghana's scheduled opener earlier this week was canceled after Togo pulled out of the tournament following a deadly attack against its team bus.

Each team in the Group B play only two games with the top two teams reaching the knockout phase.

Ivory Coast is already qualified with four points from two games, three more than Burkina Faso.

"We must do our best to prepare for this game against Burkina Faso and win it," Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac said.

ADVERTISEMENT
share