Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has disclosed that Thomas Partey, the deputy captain of the Black Stars, expressed a strong desire to regain fitness in time for Ghana’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign.
Unfortunately, the 30-year-old midfielder, plagued by injuries since the start of the season, will not be able to participate in the tournament set to commence in Ivory Coast just 8 days from now.
Arteta explains that despite Partey’s eagerness to join the national team at the AFCON, it was decided to prioritize his rehabilitation, leading to his exclusion from the squad.
The Spanish coach emphasizes the importance of common sense in making such decisions, citing the midfielder’s ongoing recovery process.
Although Partey recently resumed workouts following a two-month thigh injury layoff, generating anticipation with a viral video, Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton has chosen to exclude him from the 27-man squad.
“It was about common sense. He has a long-term injury and he really wanted to push his rehab. He really wanted to be with the national team but he is still far from training with the team and it didn’t make a lot of sense for him to be involved.”
Ghana is set to open their group stage campaign against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, 2024.
The Black Stars will then play against record champions Egypt in their second group match against Egypt in four days before wrapping up the group face against Mozambique on January 22.