AC Milan midfielder Michael Essien returned to full training on Thursday for Ghana after sitting out Wednesday’s session due to a toe injury.

The former Chelsea talisman’s return comes as a major boost to Black Stars coach Kwesi Appiah as he prepares his side against Germany on Saturday at the 2014 World Cup.

The midfielder participated in all the drills as the Black Stars prepare for the make-or-break encounter with Joachim Low’s side. Essien came on as a second half substitute against the USA.

The 2010 World Cup quarter-finalists lost their first game against the Stars and Stripes in a 2-1 game and will play Portugal next after Germany.