Milovan Rajevac is uncertain to put Michael Essien in their first line up against  Togo on January 11 in Africa Cup of Nations tournament that begins next week in Angola.

Essien is struggling with hamstring injury which he obtaining when playing his English side club, Chelsea. He is expected to join his friends on Tuesday January 6 although his fitness is in doubt.

Rajevac said he would ask teams medical team to examine him before giving handing over a central role to him.

“We will see after his injury whether we will use him from the beginning of the tournament,” Rajevac told Ghanasoccernet.com.

“We will decide on that when he is here.”

Ghana were drawn in Group B alongside Togo, Burkina Faso and Ivory Coast. Today Ghana is expected to play their friendly match against Malawi in Swaziland.

Meanwhile reports say that Ghana Football Federation has denied to play the friendly game at artificial tough because in Angola they will be using natural grass.

TEAM FACTS

This is second time Malawi to qualify for AFCON since 1984 when they appeared for the first time.

Malawi have never the trophy since its launch in 1956 by CAF officials.

Ghana have won six times and their last trophy came in 1982 against Libya-the game ended 1-1 and they won 7-6 on post match penalties. They have hosted three times.