Tim Cahill does not think the absence of Michael Essien could play to Australia's advantage then they meet Ghana in group D.

Essien was ruled out on Thursday after failing to recover in time for the start of the World Cup following an knee injury he picked up while training during the Africa Cup of Nations in Angola last January.

The Black Stars will face the Socceroos on June 19 in Rustenburg in the second group fixture at the World Cup finals in South Africa.

Cahill, who plays for Everton in the English Premiership and aware of Essien's qualities with Chelsea however expects to meet a strong Ghana side.

"It means nothing - we just have to work hard and concentrate on us," he said.

"Essien is a big player and it is sad for him and his family not to be involved in such a big competition, but we just have to think about our team."