Milovan Rajevac got off Ghana’s preparations for the World Cup with the hope that injuries will not disrupt the Black Stars' start to the tournament in South Africa.
Ghana has a couple of injury concerns with Michael Essien, John Mensah and Emmanuel Agyemang-Badu yet to return to full fitness ahead of the competition.
But Rajevac is banking on hope to see the return of Michael Essien and the other players at the World Cup as he begun preparing the Black Stars in France.
The Serbian explains that aside Essien’s sporting qualities; the World Cup needs his commercial value as well.
“Essien is an important player not only for Ghana but for the World Cup. He is one of the best players in the world and the World Cup is an assembly of the best,” the Black Stars coach told www.ghanafa.org.
“Ghana wants him there, the organizers want him there and the world wants him there.
“Argentina is going and people want to see Messi, Portugal is going and people want to see Ronaldo, Ghana is going and people want to see Essien.”
Despite remaining optimistic about having the Chelsea player for the World Cup finals, Rajevac is prepared for the worst case scenario. “I am confident he can make it. But if he doesn’t make it we have to do without him.
“There are other young and hungry players who will be equally passionate to play.”
The Black Stars are not the only team with injury worries. Other top sides including Spain, England, France, Argentina and Germany are also reeling under the pressures of getting some big players ready for the competition which begins on June 11.
Rajevac gives an explanation that the competition needs the best players to maintain its pedigree.
"I hope all [injuries] is cleared before it [World Cup] starts. Some are experiencing injuries.
“But the World Cup is the best show for the best players in the world. I hope all [big name players] will come. The competition gathers the best squads and the best players would be there.
“Once the players are fit, they will come and some would make a big mark."