The Ghana Football Association has been holding discussions with English champions Chelsea over the release of Michael Essien for next month’s African cup of nations.

Essien is among a host of regular players who are likely to miss Ghana’s friendly international against Egypt on January 5, ahead of the 2006 African cup of nations.

The midfielder is expected to play a crucial role in a hectic Christmas season, which sees Chelsea play four games in just seven days.

Yesterday Black Stars coach Ratomir Dujkovic was scheduled to have met with Chelsea boss, Jose Mourinho over the release of the player.

Though Stamford Bridge have said they will not prevent any of its three African players’ from turning up for the competition, Fred Pappoe, the chairman of the Black Stars management team says the meeting is necessary in order to nip any potential problems in the bud.