Ahead of the highly anticipated 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), Arsenal's top midfielder, Thomas Partey, was on the verge of representing Ghana.
Ghana's head coach, Chris Hughton, initially included Partey in the provisional 55-man squad, fueling excitement among football enthusiasts. Yet, as the final squad was announced, Thomas Partey's name was absent.
Unraveling the mystery, Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta shed light on Partey's situation, unveiling a tale of determination, injury, and resilience. Addressing the media ahead of Arsenal's FA Cup clash with Liverpool, Arteta not only provided a glimpse into the latest team news but also delved into the details of Partey's recent challenges.
Partey, known for his unwavering commitment, had expressed a deep desire to don the Ghanaian jersey at Afcon, a sentiment confirmed by Arteta. However, a thigh issue, incurred during a rigorous training session preceding the Champions League game against Sevilla, led to a necessary medical procedure for the talented midfielder.
"It was about common sense. He had a long-term injury. He really wanted to be with his national team but he's still far from training for the team and it didn't make sense for him to be involved," Arteta said.
Thomas Partey 30, has made four appearances in the Premier League this season.