Ghana international Kevin-Prince Boateng will play no part on the pitch this year as he is expected to fully recover from an ankle injury in February.

The 27-year-old playmaker has been out of action since Chelsea defeated Schalke 5-1 in Gelsenkirchen and club manager Horst Heldt has revealed that he needs ample time to recover.

“We have to wait for Kevin. The injury is very sensitive. Once he is rushed to the field and get kicked in the same area there may be a setback. First and foremost, he needs rest,” Horst told Bild.

Goal Ghana understands Boateng could be back in two months’ time when the league begins after the winter break.

Boateng’s replacement Max Meyer has been doing well and netted the winner against NK Maribor in Sloveniaon Wednesday.