Ghana captain Stephen Appiah is hopeful of a quick return from injury to make it to January's African Cup of Nations.

Appiah has been laid low by a hamstring injury which will rule him out of action for three weeks just when he was about to make his debut for Bologna on Sunday.

With club doctors setting for him a three-week recovery period, Appiah is aware that he faces a race to be fit for the Nations Cup in Angola which starts on January 10.

"The tests by the doctors say I will be out for three weeks which gives me good time to recover before the Nations Cup," Appiah said.

"It is a difficult time for me but I have the confidence that I will be ready and fit to play for my country in Angola."

Appiah joined Bologna last month, ending his season-long absence from club football after exiting Turkish side, Fenerbahce.

On Tuesday, his paper work was completed as Bologna received his International Transfer Certificate. But two days later, he suffered the injury which keeps him out the clash against his former club Udinese.

"I am totally devastated by the latest events because after such a long absence I was looking forward to returning," Appiah said.

"I was looking very sharp before this setback now I have to wait on what the doctors will say.

"I put my fate in the hands God. I hope I can recover in time to fulfil my ambitions for my country and club."