Ghana could be without their best player, Chelsea's Michael Essien, for the World Cup finals.

The 27-year old midfielder was expected to return to action for the Blues this weekend but club sources said that he was no chance of playing again this season, meaning he must be in danger of missing the World Cup.

"Michael Essien will not be in the squad for the weekend's game against Stoke City at Stamford Bridge," a Chelsea spokesman said. "We were hoping that Michael recovered before the final game but it now looks unlikely that he will feature for us again this season."

Essien is still recovering from a knee injury he sustained whilst on duty for the Black Stars at the African Cup of Nations in January.

Ghana take on Australia, Germany and Serbia in South Africa and with the tournament 50 days away, Essien will need some strong rehabilitation to get him on the plane.