Michael Essien has joined the Ghana team preparing in Turkey for next week's World Cup play-off against Egypt.

The Chelsea midfielder, who arrived in Istanbul late Tuesday night was granted compassionate leave by coach Kwesi Appiah after the burial of his father over the weekend in Ghana.

Appiah now has a full-house for the Black Stars' second training session on Wednesday following the arrival of Essien and defender Awal Mohammed.

The Black Stars lead the tie 6-1 from the first leg in Kumasi on 15 October.

Amidst security concerns in the North African country, Essien who played in that thumping first leg victory says Ghana have other option than to honour the game in Egypt.

"I am not afraid or scared of the Egypt team," Essien said.

"But I am frightened to play in Egypt because of the on-going fights over there.

"We have nothing to do about that because we are told to play in Egypt and we will do just that."

Ghana will play Egypt in Cairo on November 19 with the aggregate winner qualifying for next year's finals in Brazil.