Essien will not make Panathinaikos debut today

Ghana international midfielder Michael Essien will not make his Panathinaikos debut against Platanias today as he is yet to gain match fitness, GHANAsoccernet.com can authoritatively confirm.

Though the 32-year-old has debuted in a friendly game for the Greens he is yet to officially play in a competitive game since his move from AC Milan in June.

Essien’s recovery has been a somewhat stop-start as he has pulled out of training twice.

Panathinaikos are second on the Greek Super League, trailing rivals Olympiakos by three points.