Essien is hoping to play at the World Cup

The 23-year-old was part of the original squad but subsequently ruled out with an ankle problem two weeks before the start of the tournament.

"The arrangement was to join the team, but unfortunately I got injured, so everything changed," Essien told BBC World Service's Fast Track programme.

Ghana failed to make it past the group stages at the Cup of Nations.

They lost 1-0 to Nigeria in their opening game, but beat Senegal in the second, before surprisingly succumbing to Zimbabwe in their must-win final match.

"I think did they did their best, but it just wasn't enough," added the Chelsea star.

"I watched the first game against Nigeria. They did their best, but unfortunately lost.

"In the second match we did very well, and in the last, we were just unlucky."

Some supporters have called for the resignation of national team coach Ratomir Dujkovic, but Essien believes they should be patient.

"I know the Ghanaians are frustrated, but he was the first ever coach to guide Ghana to the World Cup finals. There were also three key players who were missing from the Cup of Nations squad," he said.

Looking ahead to Germany 2006, the midfielder said he was eager to make amends for missing the Cup of Nations.

"I need to prepare myself for the World Cup," he said.

"I have to be ready for it and I'm willing to play in the friendlies leading up to the event."