Former Chelsea sporting director Frank Arnesen has disclosed that Chelsea did everything in their power to ensure that Michael Essien was fit to play in the 2010 World Cup.
Essien sustained a knee injury during Ghana's first match of the 2010 Africa Cup of Nations against Ivory Coast.
Chelsea took him to Paris for further tests, according to Arnesen, who explained in an interview with 3Sports that the club's doctors advised against Essien participating in the AFCON, as it would be too demanding and he needed rest.
“He had a bad injury knee injury and we went to Paris for tests. Our doctors said Essien cannot play in the AFCON because it’ll be too demanding. We need him to rest.”
With the World Cup just a few months away, Chelsea made every effort to get Essien fit in time, but it was not possible.
Arnesen stated that he discussed the situation with the Ghana Football Association president, and it was agreed that Essien would not be risked before the World Cup.
“I explained the situation to the Ghana Football Association president and everyone agreed Essien won’t be risked before the World Cup. We put him on a special recovery and managed his game time but he couldn’t make it in time.”
Despite Essien's absence, Ghana advanced to the quarter-finals of the 2010 World Cup. Essien later won the UEFA Champions League with Chelsea in 2012, cementing his status as one of Ghana's most influential players.