Ghana and West Ham forward Andre Ayew could be a major doubt for the game against Egypt in the second round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers due to a thigh injury, the English Premier League side's manager announced.

West Ham manager Slaven Bilic confirmed that the 26-year-old winger could be out of action for another month after suffering the injury during the 2-1 loss to Chelsea in the first matchday of the English Premier League in August, his debut with the team.

"We need our club record signing Andre Ayew, but he could still be a month away from making a first team return," Bilic was quoted as saying on the club's official website.

Egypt are scheduled to face Ghana on 13 November in the second round of the 2018 World Cup qualifiers at Alexandria's Borg El-Arab stadium.

The 2015 African Cup of Nations top-scorer, Ayew joined West Ham from Swansea in a deal believed to be worth more than £20 million, but endured a disastrous start to his Hammers career.

After beating Congo 2-1 in the first round of the qualifiers, Egypt are top of their group with three points, two ahead of Ghana and Uganda who played out a 0-0 draw in Tamale on Friday.

The Black Stars lacked the creativity and spark of their inspirational forward to grab the goals.

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