Ghana have been boost by the news that their key defender John Mensah is likely to return to action for Sunderland on Tuesday after returning from injury.

This means if the injury-prone centre back comes through the clash with Aston Villa unscathed he will be available for the Black Stars at next month's Cup of Nations.

He was a major doubt for the continental tournament in Angola but his English side now say he is on the verge of a return just three weeks before the Nations Cup.

Mensah could add to coach Steve Bruce's defensive options for tomorrow's home meeting with Carling Cup conquerors Aston Villa.

A calf injury has ruled the deputy Ghana captain out of Sunderland's last two games, but Bruce hopes he will be fit tomorrow.

Bruce said: "Phil and Kieran are available now for Tuesday. John Mensah could possibly be involved."

Mensah will join the Black Stars camp on 27 December if he remains fit the African Cup of Nations.