Chelsea manager, Carlo Ancelotti says Michael Essien will be allowed to join the Ghana squad at next year’s African Nations Cup when he returns from injury.

The Italian admits that he is prepared to see Essien and his three other African colleagues at Chelsea leave for Angola at the end of the month.

Essien, who is currently nursing a hamstring injury has been ruled out for close to four weeks but is expected to be part of the Ghana squad when he makes a return after the turn of the year.

"The African players can all go on 28th December," confirmed Ancelotti.

"Michael had a scan and I think he will be out for between three and four weeks.

"The aim is to work to improve his injury but I think he will be ready to go on 28th December, if he stays well.

"I have no problem with the Ghana doctor coming here. If they want to come here to see Essien, there is no problem."