English Premiership Champions Chelsea faced the prospect of having to play without Ghana's Michael Essien, Cameroon's Geremi and Ivory Coast's Didier Drogba for up to 6 weeks, during next month's African Cup of Nations.

The African Cup of Nations is in FIFA's calendar and current regulations from the World Football Governing Body give the right to the African teams to get the players at least 2 weeks before the tournament starts for preparation.

Chelsea offered Ghana to fly Essien with a private jet to England between the 'Black Stars' matches, so he can play in the African Cup of Nations and at the same time play with Chelsea in the Premiership and Champions League matches during that period.

However, Ghana's Football Federation told Chelsea officials that this is something that is unacceptable, as the tournament is seen as an important test for next summer's World Cup Finals in Germany.

Jose Mourinho travelled to Ghana and met with Federation officials including the 'Black Stars' coach Ratomir Dujkovic and with Sports Minister Osei Bonsu Amoah before Christmas.

Mourinho managed to secure a deal with the Federation, that will see Essien taking part in the 2-weeks training camp with Ghana before the tournament kicks-off and will see Essien play in only two matches for the 'Black Stars', before returning back to England.

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