Ghana’s aspirations for the African Cup of Nations (Ghana 8/1 to win competition on outright coupon) have been hit by an injury blow to star midfielder Michael Essien.

The Chelsea player failed to start in Ghana’s 3-1 defeat to Ivory Coast (7/4 to win on outright coupon) in their first game, but came on as a second half substitute.

He was hoped to be fit to start their next match against Burkina Faso (Ghana 4/7, Burkina Faso 4/1. draw 13/5 on match coupon) on Tuesday but has been seen struggling with an injury on his right knee after a Ghana training session.

Essien was taken to hospital to assess the damage to the joint, but it looks likely he will miss the must-win game – in which a defeat could see Ghana eliminated from the competition.

Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac told BBC Sport: “I don’t know the extent of the injury but we will find out later.”

Elsewhere at the African Cup of Nations, Obafemi Martins has returned to the Nigeria (10/1 to win tournament on outright coupon) squad after appearing in a London court.