Asamoah Makes Injury Return

Ghana's emerging Italy-based midfield star Kwadwo Asamoah has returned to action after a four-month injury-induced absence. The 21-year-old played his first game for his club Udinese on Sunday for the first time since he suffered the knee injury in August. He played the game until he was substituted in the 90th minute as they lost 1-0 to Palermo but showed no signs of rustiness as he excelled in the game. Palermo goalkeeper Salvatore Sirigu parried an Asamoah snapshot and another screamer from the Ghanaian was deflected off target. His availability is a major boost for the Black Stars as the Ghanaians prepare for the 2010 World Cup and Nations Cup. Asamoah was instrumental in the Black Stars assault on Mali and Sudan in June that put the country on the verge of World Cup qualification. In his absence Ghana beat Sudan to qualify for the World Cup but his showing the the Black Stars will boost the squad in the tournament in South Africa. He was expected to have recovered last month but his doctors in Barcelona put off his return date to ensure full recovery. Asamoah had an impressive debut season for Udinese last season, which saw him earn a call-up to the Ghana national side. He helped the Zebrette to a seventh place finish in Serie A in 2008-09 and is hoping the club can improve on that next season. Asamoah was part of a formidable three man midfield alongside Gokhan Inler and Gaetano D'Agostino. He made 19 appearances last season, scoring twice in the process.