The Black Stars’ hopes of winning an Africa Cup of Nation’s trophy for the fifth time has been dealt a massive blow after defender Baba Rahman was ruled out of the tournament on Wednesday.

His club Schalke O4 confirmed Wednesday afternoon that the left back will be returning to Germany for further examination.

The left-back reportedly suffered a bruised meniscus and will have to be assessed by experts at Gelsenkirchen in Germany.

Rahman was replaced after 39 minutes during Ghana’s opening game against Uganda on Tuesday in Port Gentil and had to be stretchered off.

The Black Stars managed to scrap through the nervy encounter to win by a goal after Rahman was replaced Anderlecht Forward Frank Acheampong.