Stephen Appiah ends his ten-month absence from national duties as he returns to the fold of the Black Stars for the joint 2010 African Nations Cup and World Cup qualifier next month.

The midfielder has spent a lengthy time off the pitch after months of rehabilitation from an injury since the end of November last year.

However, Appiah has earned a place in Milovan Rajevac’s team for the game against Libya in Tripoli on September 5 after being included in the 21-man Ghana squad.

The new Ghana coach has described the creative midfielder as one of his key squad players.

The game would be the Ghana captain’s first match for the national side and he says the time spent on the sidelines has toughened him up for the challenges ahead.

Appiah says he has drawn much inspiration from his long absence from the pitch and will return to the field a stronger and better player after spending eight months on the sidelines.

“I have been in Italy training for about a month now. I am through with my pre-season training.

“Everything is going well and very soon you will see me again on the football field.”