Essien could make Panathinaikos debut on Sunday

Ghana midfielder Michael Essien is likely to make his debut for Greek giants Panathinaikos in a pre-season game on Sunday.

The former Chelsea and Real Madrid midfield enforcer joined the Greens pre-season camp last weekend and will be on the plane to the Netherlands where they will pitch their pre-season camp.

Essien is likely to start for Yannis Anastasiou’s side as they take on Dutch lower-tier side AFC Arnhem on Sunday afternoon.

Anastasiou beat competition from rivals Olympiakos and Turkish giants Galatsaray to sign the defender who will turn 33 in December.