Michael Essien is confident of returning to the Ghana team sometime in the future as he categorically denies reports that he has penciled his return to coincide with the team's up-coming games.

Media reports claimed that Essien was due to return to the Ghana squad next month for the 2012 African Nations Cup qualifying against Congo and the the international friendly against England.

But the Chelsea player, who has been out of the national team, the Black Stars since injuring his knee at the 2010 Nations Cup in Angola says he has not communicated any date of his return as claimed in the media.

"Yes that’s correct," Essien said in an interview on his personal website on whether he be available for selection in the future.

"I don't want Ghanaians to believe these stories and then in March be disappointed that I am not in the team. I will definitely return to the team at some point in the future however it won’t be for the upcoming games. I haven't told the coach or anyone else that."

Essien explained that he hopes his return to the team would be beneficial for Ghana and himself.

"When I decided to take a break I knew some Ghanaians will be disappointed but I felt at the time it was the right decision after two horrible injuries. Hopefully when I come back into the Ghanaian team the break will be beneficial for the Ghana team and I," he said.