Michael Essien ready for international football

Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has revealed that he is ready to make a return to the Ghana national team.

The 30-year-old, who stepped away from the international scene in 2011 due to recurring injury problems, has been training with the Black Stars ahead of Friday's World Cup qualifier against Zambia.

"I feel I am over that now and I am in a position to combine national team duties with club duties now," Essien told Chelsea's official website.

"When I stopped playing for the national team, I was still trying to get my fitness back and couldn't see myself playing for Chelsea and Ghana, but that's all behind me."

Essien has won 52 caps for his country since making his debut in 2002.