Why is Thomas Partey not playing at Afcon 2023?
GHANA will be hoping to go all the way at the Africa Cup of Nations when it gets underway later this weekend.
But they’ll have to do so without one of their star players – Thomas Partey.
Partey was influential for Arsenal in the Premier League last season as the Gunners ran Manchester City close in the title race.
But this term the midfielder has barely played for Mikel Arteta‘s side and Arsenal have struggled to maintain last season’s form.
Partey also won’t be in action for Ghana at AFCON 2023 in the Ivory Coast.
Why is Thomas Partey not at AFCON 2023?
Partey has been out of action since October with a thigh injury but is back in training at Arsenal.
The former Atletico Madrid man is hoping to make his return to the pitch in the next few weeks.
But AFCON 2023 comes too soon for Partey, according to Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta and Ghana manager Chris Hughton.
Arteta said on January 5: “It was about common sense. He had a long-term injury.
“He was trying to push his rehab because he really wanted to be with his national team, but he’s still far from training with the team and it didn’t make sense for him to be involved.
“Hopefully it is weeks. When and how many weeks is going to depend a little bit on how [long] the next step, training with the team, will take him. But he is progressing well.”
Ex-Brighton boss Hughton added: “Thomas Partey for sure, and I say this not in a detrimental way to the squad that we have, but he is one of our most important players.
“This we know and, withstanding his injury, he certainly would be in the squad.
“We know the quality of player that he is. This is a player that has a substantial injury.
“I’ve spent a lot over this period of time with Thomas and also engaging with the medical staff at Arsenal Football Club.
“They will treat this injury with caution, and so will the player. This is a big injury for him and the biggest injury that he’s had.
“The most important thing for me as head coach and our association is to give him the support that he needs through this period of time.
“From all the information that we’ve been given, the timelines of his recovery and the caution that will be taken, will not meet our timelines for the AFCON.”