Black Stars and Schalke defender Baba Rahman has been ruled out of action for seven months after undergoing surgery in Germany following the knee injury he suffered while playing for Ghana at the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations.

The 23-year-old picked up an injury whilst in action for the Black Stars at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations.

A request from the German Club saw him returning to the Royal Blues for further diagnosis.

The Club has hence confirmed the player could stay out of action for  months.

“In yesterday’s operation in Augsburg, Abdurrahman Baba’s injury to the left knee joint proved more severe than initially suspected,” a statement on Schalke O4’s website reads.

“The picture showed a complex cruciate ligament rupture with accompanying internal and external meniscus tears.

“The operation went without complication. A multi-month downtime can be expected.”

Baba joined Chelsea from Augsburg for £21.7 million in August 2015 but failed to establish himself as a regular starter under Jose Mourinho or Guus Hiddink.

Antonio Conte allowed the 22-year-old to join Schalke on a season-long loan at the beginning of August.