Ghana will be without captain Stephen Appiah for their two friendly matches in Europe this week because of injury.

The 26-year-old, who plays for the Turkish side Fenerbahce, has been ruled out of action for two weeks after suffering a thigh strain during Saturday's 4-0 thrashing of Bursaspor.

Appiah's absence was confirmed on Monday after tests on his thigh and he will not play in the matches against Austria in Graz on 24 and Brazil three days later in Sweden.

"It is a crushing blow for me to be out for two weeks as I wanted to join my colleagues to fight and continue our country’s rise in football," Appiah told BBC Sport.

"Even though I will not be available for both matches I am I will be at the Brazil game to support the team and give the medical report of my injury to the Ghana FA."

Meanwhile, Michael Essien has a 'chance' of being fit for the two friendly matches, according to his English club Chelsea.

Chelsea coach Jose Mourinho says Essien could return from injury to play in Monday’s FA Cup replay against Tottenham.

Essien collected a knee injury in the first tie between the two clubs and was not included in the side which rivals Sheffield United 3-0 on Saturday.

If he is cleared to play, he will be available for the matches against Austria and Brazil.