Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta has shed light on Thomas Partey’s earnest efforts to regain fitness in time for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.
Addressing the media before Arsenal’s FA Cup match against Liverpool, Arteta revealed a pragmatic decision-making process between the club and the FA regarding Thomas Partey’s situation.
Arteta clarified that, despite Thomas Partey’s strong desire to join Ghana’s team for the AFCON, the physical impossibility stemmed from the long-term injury he sustained in October 2023.
Providing an update on Partey’s status, Arteta indicated that the 29-year-old midfielder is far from making a comeback, both for Arsenal and the Ghana national team.
“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,” he said.
Thomas Partey, initially named in Ghana’s provisional 55-man squad, is among the high-profile players absent from the final selection due to injury.
Notable omissions also include Kamaldeen Sulemana and Daniel Kofi Kyere, who were sidelined due to injuries.
Despite their unavailability, these players will be fervently cheering on their teammates as the Black Stars kick off the tournament with the opening match against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, 2023, at the Felix Houphet Boigny Stadium, scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Ghana time (20:00 GMT).
A highly anticipated showdown awaits in the second Group B game on January 18, 2024, at 8:00 p.m. (20:00 GMT), as Egypt and Ghana clash in a match that many expect to be a battle between Liverpool’s Mohammed Salah and West Ham United’s Mohammed Kudus.
The venue remains the Felix Houphet Boigny Stadium.
The culmination of Ghana’s group stage matches will see them face Mozambique on January 22, 2024, at the Olympic Stadium of Obimpe, with the game scheduled for 8:00 p.m. Ghana time (20:00 GMT).