ACCRA, Ghana (AP) — Injured Chelsea midfielder Michael Essien has been included on Ghana’s preliminary 30-man World Cup roster along with Inter Milan midfielder Sulley Muntari and Portsmouth midfielder Kevin-Prince Boateng, who has never played for the Black Stars.
Essien injured a hamstring playing for Chelsea on Dec. 8, returned to appear for Ghana in the African Cup of Nations, then hurt his right knee in training with the Black Stars on Jan. 17. He has not played since.
Sunderland defender John Mensah, sidelined for much of the season by a calf injury, also was picked by Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac.
Boateng will have to be given international clearance because he has played for Germany’s under-21 team.
