Ghana captain John Mensah has finally been ruled out of Wednesday's friendly against Saudi Arabia.
The Black Stars are expected to draft in an emergency replacement for the towering defender before they depart for Dubai.
There were fears that the Sunderland centre back could miss the game after being taken off during last week's Premier League game against Stoke.
Doctors of his English club have now confirmed that he will not return to action until next month with a suspected shoulder injury.
The Ghanaian has been unlucky with injuries again this season and won't figure until at least early December.
Sunderland coach Steve Bruce revealed: "We fear John has dislocated his shoulder. He'll go for more tests but we think that's the case.
"I don't think he's going to be available for at least the next couple of weeks."
His absence means Lee Addy and Isaac Vorsah will be started at the heart of the Ghana defence in the friendly to be played in Dubai.