The Ghana Football Association is hoping Michael Essien's latest injury set back will not affect his participation at the 2010 World Cup after fresh reports ruling him out of the season. News of a major boost for Ghana's campaign after Essien was tipped to play against Stoke City this weekend in the English Premiership were dashed hours later when Chelsea said his participation in the remainder of the season was unlikely. The player himself is now resigned to the fact that he will take no further part in the season for his club side but Ghana are hoping he will be ready to play a part in the World Cup when they kick-off against Serbia on June 13 in Pretoria. "It is unfortunate that he should be having such difficulties recovering from the injury but we are hoping that with time he will be ready for the World Cup. "We really believe with him in the side the team can reach very far," GFA emergency committee member Fred Crentsil told TV3 Network. Essien has not played for Chelsea since limping off in a champions league win against Appoel Nicosia. He appeared for Ghana in the second half of their Nations Cup game against Ivory Coast but hurt his knee in training afterwards and has struggled to regain full fitness with a swelling in his knee the sticking point. Source: Kickoff.com