Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has confirmed he plans to return to the Ghana team but will not be available for next month's Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Congo DR or the friendly against England.

New Black Stars coach Goran Stevanovic had hoped the 28-year-old would be in contention after more than a year's absence but the player does not feel the time is right to return.

He told his personal website: "I told him [Stevanovic] I will definitely return to the Ghana squad but we didn't talk about dates and I didn't tell him I was available to play in March.

I will definitely return to the team at some point in the future, however it wont be for the upcoming games. I haven't told the coach or anyone else that.
Michael Essien, Ghana midfielder

"I am not sure where those stories came from. 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 added: "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 wont be for the upcoming games. I haven't told the coach or anyone else that."

Ghana face Congo DR on 26 March before taking on England in a friendly at Wembley three days later.