Ghana midfielder Michael Essien was on Thursday ruled out of the World Cup after failing a medical on the knee injury he suffered on Africa Cup of Nations duty in January.

The Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced that the star midfielder had failed a joint evaluation by medical staff from the GFA and his club, Chelsea.

Essien is not expected to make a full recovery from the injury until the end of July.

"The Ghana Football Association wishes him full recovery and a quick return to football action," the GFA statement added.

The midfielder was hoping to make his second World Cup appearance following his debut four years ago in Germany.

He had been continuing his rehabilitation at Chelsea's training ground and had expressed confidence at being declared fit to be named in Ghana's squad for South Africa.

Ghana open their World Cup campaign in Group D against Serbia on June 13.

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