Ghana captain Stephen Appiah has been ruled out of action for three weeks after suffering a hamstring injury.
Appiah, who was set to make his debut for Bologna on Sunday, was taken off during a midweek friendly for the Italian side.
Doctors of the Serie A side have now asked the midfielder to rest for three weeks to aid his recovery.
Appiah faces a race to be fit for January's African Cup of Nations in but says he will be ready to play in the tournament in Angola.
"The tests by the doctors say I will be out for three weeks which gives me good time to recover before the Nations Cup," Appiah said.
"It is a difficult time for me but I have the confidence that I will be ready and fit to play for my country in Angola."
Appiah joined Bologna last month, ending his season-long absence from club football after an acrimonious exit from Turkish outfit Fenerbahce.
He secured his International Transfer Certificate on Tuesday, paving the way for him to make his debut for Bologna after impressing in training.
But he suffered the injury two days later, ruling him the clash against his former club Udinese.
"I am totally devastated by the latest events because after such a long absence I was looking forward to returning," Appiah said.
"I was looking very sharp before this setback now I have to wait on what the doctors will say.
"I put my fate in the hands God. I hope I can recover in time to fulfil my ambitions for my country and club."
Bologna are fourth bottom in Serie A, and the 28-year-old's arrival is expected to add creativity to their midfield.
Appiah joined Fenerbahce in 2005 from Italian giants Juventus after winning the country's league title that season.
His decision to leave Juventus ended his seven-year stay in Italy after earlier spells with Udinese, Parma and Brescia.
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