Benjamin Tetteh has suffered an injury setback and looks set to miss Ghana’s campaign at the 2022 World Cup in Qatar.
Tetteh is expected to be out until the new year after undergoing surgery to repair a tendon muscle inside his hamstring.
Hull City did not name Tetteh in their 24-man squad submitted to the EFL following the transfer window's closure, anticipating the severity of the injury, leaving his spot open should the club need to dip into the free transfer market.
"He had a small operation on his tendon on his hamstring, it will take him a while to get back fit. I haven't seen him because he was away (having surgery), but I have the information. He understands and he must face this time to get better," said Hull City coach Shota Arveladze.
When asked if Tetteh's surgery meant he'd be out longer than expected, Arveladze said 'yes,' but added that the 25-year-old wouldn't be back until after Christmas.
The striker's return date is a setback for Ghana, as he is unlikely to be available for the Black Stars' World Cup campaign in Qatar later this year.
Tetteh is a favourite of Black Stars coach Otto Addo, and he was named to the squad for pre-World Cup friendlies against Brazil and Nicaragua this month
However, it appears that the tactician will need to find a replacement for Tetteh because he is not expected to return anytime soon.