Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has undergone surgery after damaging his left knee.

Appiah, who plays for Turkish champions Fenerbahce, will be sidelined for six weeks but he is expected to be fit for the start of next season.

The 26-year-old has been troubled by the injury he suffered in January but played through the pain barrier to secure the title for his club.

Appiah, who has been linked to some top European clubs, is keen to start next season on a bright note after Wednesday's surgery.

"Now that my club have won the Turkish title, I think it is the appropriate time for me to attend to this long-standing knee injury," Appiah told BBC Sport.

"I will strictly follow medical advice before making any decisions on when to start playing again.

"But I am confident that by the start of the next season in Europe I will be ready."

More importantly, however, Ghana will host the Nations Cup in January next year and Appiah will take no chances with his fitness before that tournament.

He said: "The most important thing for me is to be fully fit to play for my country at the Nations Cup.

"My country is hosting the event next year and I am doing everything possible to keep myself fully fit and in shape for tournament.

"That is the ultimate goal."

The former Juventus midfielder has been linked with a return to the Italian giants but Scottish side Hearts are keen to swoop for his signature.

German outfit Bayern Munich and some English clubs are also interested in the Ghana captain.