Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey wanted to be with Ghana’s Black Stars at the 2023 AFCON but it just didn’t make sense to do so due to Partey’s injury recovery status.
Partey was recently pictured working out after recovering from a thigh injury that ruled him out of action for two months.
The viral video of the influential midfielder working out increased expectations of a return to the Black Stars for the AFCON tournament later this month. (Click highlighted text to read full story)
However, Partey wasn’t named in the 27 man squad by Black Stars head coach Chris Hughton due to his status and Arteta agreed with Hughton’s reason in a press conference appearance.
“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 in Group B with Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique and commences its 2023 AFCON campaign against Cape Verde on January 14.