Mourinho hits back at Ghana coach

Essien (left) has returned for Mourinho's side

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho has hit back at Ghana boss Ratomir Dujkovic's criticism of midfielder Michael Essien.

Dujkovic was unhappy with Essien's absence at the African Cup of Nations and has threatened to leave him out of the World Cup squad.

But Mourinho said: "Essien is proud of his country and a great patriot.

"His comments after going out of the competition were not fair to a great player who was injured and responsible for them going to the World Cup."

Essien returned to action in Chelsea's 2-0 win over Liverpool at Stamford Bridge on Sunday after an ankle ligament injury.

The injury put paid to Essien's hopes of playing in Egypt and the former Lyon player was singled out for criticism by Dujkovic after Ghana's exit in the group stages.

Some fans called for Dujkovic to be sacked after their early exit, but Essien has urged them to be patient and promised to play in any friendlies arranged prior to the World Cup finals.