The Middlesbrough striker has been ruled of Ghana 2008 with an inflammation in the adductor muscle.

"I am confident that Egypt will do well in Ghana regardless of the names that will be representing the national team," Mido told FilGoal.com exclusively.

"All of the players are up to the challenge," he said. "I don’t think my absence will affect them."

Mido missed Premiership action over the past five weeks with groin problems and it was thought he would be featuring for Boro soon.

The fresh injury comes as bad news for Middlesbrough as well as the Egyptian team, who target retaining their African title and Middlesbrough.

Scoring twice in his first two starts, Mido quickly became a favorite at the Teesside club but injuries nagged his campaign.

"I had this injury before during the 2006 African Cup of Nations in Egypt. A Dutch consultant said I won't be able to train before two and a half month," the former Marseille and Ajax man explained.

"I will stay in England to undergo the medical program. I won't return to Egypt."