Essien's absence would hurt: Ghana coach

Accra, Ghana: Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac says the World Cup will be hurt if Michael Essien does not recover from injury in time to play in the tournament.

The Chelsea midfielder is a major doubt for the June 11-July 11 showpiece after not playing since December because of knee and ankle injuries.

Rajevac says Essien is one of the world's best players and that "Ghana wants him there, the organizers want him there and the world wants him there."

Essien is expected to link up with the Black Stars for training on Friday, and Rajevac says he thinks Essien will be fit. But he added that "there are other young and hungry players who will be equally passionate to play."

Ghana is in Group D with Germany, Australia and Serbia.