Emmanuel Agyemang Badu is hoping Michael Essien will return to full fitness by the time the World Cup starts for Ghana.

The 19 year-old Udinese midfielder who is gunning for a debut World Cup place in the Black Stars team says Essien is an important player who is needed to aid Ghana's campaign.

Essien has been out of action since suffering a knee injury back January while on international duty with Ghana at the African Nations Cup and though ruled out for the rest of the season, his chances of going to the World Cup is uncertain.

Though the Chelsea player has not ruled out an appearance at the tournament, Badu, speaking to KickOffGhana believes Essien's presence would benefit the team overall.

?It will be really sad if he is not able to make it,? Badu says.

?There is time between now and the World Cup and we have to hope and pray he is available to play his part because he is a world-class player who brings so much to the team."

For Badu, also a holding midfielder, having Michael Essien around is an important step in his learning curve.

?The players in the side want him there because they know how well things go when he is in the side. As younger ones he does not just give inspiration, he is a great person to learn from.?