Rabiu eyeing Ghana return after two-year injury layoff

Ghana international Rabiu Mohammed has set sights on making his way back to the national team after a two-year absence. 

The midfielder has not played for the Black Stars - nor for any club - since picking up an injury in 2016.

The setback forced him out of Ghana's plans for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations tournament, the 2015 edition remaining his last for the four-time champions. 

"I want to work my way back slowly and then get back to my very best," Rabiu, who also represented Ghana at the 2014 World Cup, told KweseESPN.

"I want to win a trophy at club level, get back into the national team and win a trophy at international level.

"I just pray that I stay fit because the last two years have been difficult."

Rabiu's injury woes also saw a three-and-a-half-year contract signed with Russian side Anzhi Makhachkala terminated after a year. 

On Sunday, he re-signed for the club after seemingly putting his troubles behind him. 

"It has not been easy not playing for two years," the former Liberty Professionals man said. 

"It's been a very difficult time for me but I am happy that Anzhi are prepared to give me a second chance.

"There were many days when I was extremely sad sitting at home, powerless and unable to play because football is all I have done.

"I missed it badly in the last two years."

From local side Liberty where he began his professional career, Rabiu graced the pitch for Spanish club Gimnastic de Tarragona and Xerez before joining French outfit Avian TG.

He then left for Kuban in 2013 before crossing carpets to Anzhi in 2016.

He was also once on the books of Italian clubs Sampdoria and Udinese.