Ghana could miss hardworking midfielder Rabiu Mohammed for next month’s crucial World Cup playoff against Egypt after suffering an injury that could rule him out of action for six weeks.

The 23-year-old, who plays for Russian side Kuban Krasnodar, suffered the injury on Thursday night during their Europa League tie against Swiss club St Gallen.

Mohammed was substituted in the 20th minute of the match but the nature of the injury is unknown. However, Kuban coach Dorinel Munteanu says Rabiu, woh joined the club about three weeks ago, is expected to be out of action for about five to weeks.

This means Rabiu will be unavailable for Ghana when they host Egypt on 13 October in Kumasi which is just about four weeks away. “The injury of Rabiu is unpleasant for us. Maybe he will be out of action for 5-6 weeks,” Kuban coach Dorinel Munteanu said.

We just got this player. We were very much looking forward to his contribution to the team so we have to look for another option.”

Rabiu is a key player for Ghana and his absence could create a vacuum in the Ghana team’s midfield.