The Chelsea player is working against the clock in order to be fit for the gigantic competition, but local media reported that he will be part of the Black Stars' contingent in all cases.

Essien will take on a coaching staff role if he doesn't recover on time, according to Ghanaian newspaper All Sports.

But the Ghana FA vice-president Fred Pappoe refused to comment on the report by saying: "We are always denying stories here and there.

"The story cannot be attributable so I wouldn't make a comment on it; I don't think it's worth it."

Ghana's doctors are meeting with their counterparts at Chelsea soon to decide whether or not Essien will be able to represent his country at the World Cup.