Fit-again Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is expected to return to the Black Stars team for their next competitive assignment, the qualifying for the 2012 African Nations Cup in Gabon/ Equatorial Guinea.

The midfielder who was unavailable during Ghana's 2010 World Cup in South Africa due to injury has returned to match action for club side, Chelsea in the English Premiership after having remained on the sidelines for a longer spell since an injury in January 2010.

Though Milovan Rajevac left Essien out of the team for the international friendly against the 2010 host nation, the Black Stars coach who is set to commence his second stint with the four-time African champions is happy to welcome one of Ghana's most influential players back into the squad.

“Michael is still an important component of this side, he is a special player,” said Rajevac.

“Essien brings a special dimension to this team. We are looking forward in having him back with us.”

Ghana open's its qualifying campaign in Group I against Swaziland on Sunday 5 September at the Somholo National Stadium in Lombamba.