'Essien still not ready for league debut'

Michael Essien’s competitive debut for Panathinaikos has been delayed after the club announced he was not ready to face Panionios.

The Greens do not want to risk the Ghana international who is making a return from injury.

Essien is fit but the club want to unleash their midfield dynamo against rivals Levadiakos next Saturday in a week 4 fixture.

As calculated by the “Greens”, the experienced midfielder will be ready for their fifth week clash with rivals Platanias.

Panathinaikos do not want to rush with Essien and has made clear that the player will be used only when absolutely ready.