Ghana coach Milovan Rajevac says he will need a tactical rethink at the World Cup after lynchpin Michael Essien was ruled out of the tournament by a knee injury.
The Serb had planned to build his team's success around the Chelsea midfielder whom he describes as arguably the best player in the world in his position.
"Obviously, it is a massive blow for us but it is also a huge loss for the World Cup itself because one of the event's best offers is watching the finest players perform," Rajevac said.
"We will have to make a number of tactical adjustments because Essien is probably the best player in the world in his position and coping without him will be very difficult.
"We have two warm-up games, against Netherlands in Rotterdam and Latvia in London, to work out a new set up and find the best possible solution to the problem.
"But the most important thing is that he gets back to full fitness and resumes playing because his career is more important to us than any single event."
Ghana begin its campaign against Rajevac's native country Serbia on 13 June before playing Australia on 19 June and Germany four days later in Group.
The Black Stars are seeking to better the second round feat chalked at the last tournament in Germany.