Ghana midfielder, Michael Essien has become the second member of the Black Stars - after Captain Appiah - to pull out of the upcoming friendly games because of injury.

The Chelsea midfielder now joins national team captain, Stephen Appiah on the injury list ahead of Ghana’s game with Austria on Saturday and the match against Brazil three days later.

Essien would be unavailable for the friendly games after having missed Chelsea’s last two games against Sheffield United in a league game and Monday’s FA Cup quarter final replay against Tottenham through injury.

The midfielder would be out of action for three weeks after picking up a knee injury while playing for Chelsea in the first leg FA Cup tie against Tottenham at the Stamford Bridge.