Ghana president John Agyekum Kufuor is confident Michael Essien will be stronger when he returns from injury after the ruler visited the Chelsea midfielder at his home in London.

The Ghana leader led a delegation of ministers and the country's High Commissioner to the United Kingdom, Mr. Annan Arkyin Cato, on Saturday to see Essien's progress after surgery and wish him speedy recovery.

The Chelsea star has been ruled out of action for five months after rupturing an anterior cruciate ligament while playing for Ghana in a World Cup qualifier earlier this month.

Mr. Kufuor told Essien not to be downbeat about the injury and expressed confidence that Chelsea midfield enforce will be a stronger player on his return.

"It is unfortunate that at such a crucial time for your country and club this injury comes to halt the tremendous impact you make when playing," Kuffuor said.

"But from what I have seen here I am sure you will return to action soon and stronger than what we have ever known you to be."

Even though Essien suffered the injury while playing for Ghana, Chelsea are picking up the medical bills.

But the Ghana leaders says it should not deter the midfielder from serving his home country in future.

Essien thanked the president for the surprise visit and vowed his commitment to the Black Stars.

"Infact I can't expressed my happiness enough to see the president himself come to my house to visit me. I am very grateful to him," Essien said.

"I want to assure Mr. President and all Ghanaians that I am always ready to serve my country anytime in whatever capacity.

"Ghanaians have shown me much support since this injury and goes to show that it is always with a pelasure that I serve my country."

Essien picked up the injury early this month during Ghana's joint 2010 qualifier against Libya in Tripoli.

He underwent surgery in France last week and has since returned to his London home.

Essien has been ruled out for six months and will miss key games for Ghana and his club in the Champions League and Premier League.