Michael Essien has confirmed that his absence from the Ghana team is only temporary.

The 27-year-old missed the World Cup because of a knee problem and did not play a part in Ghana's opening African Nations Cup qualifier in Swaziland last month. That was the result of an agreement with coach Milovan Rajevac, who has since departed.

"I spoke to the manager and he told me was going to give me a break to get my fitness back on track," Essien said. "It is unfortunate that he left, and we shall see who comes in, but I will go back."

Essien was outstanding in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Arsenal on Sunday but the midfielder knows he needs to work on scoring more goals ahead of their trip to Aston Villa after the international break.

"I think my passing is getting better, what I need to work on is my goal scoring," he added. "When you have the ball you have to be calm and you have to look for the space before you receive the ball."