Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton, shed light on the exclusion of midfielder Thomas Partey from Ghana's squad for the 2023 African Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Hughton clarified that Partey's ongoing recovery from his injury wouldn't align with the tournament schedule.
Partey has been sidelined for approximately two months, causing him to miss Ghana's initial matches in the 2026 World Cup Qualifiers.
Despite nearing a return in recent weeks, the Arsenal midfielder hasn't featured in a game since October, with the club prioritizing a cautious approach.
Hughton, emphasizing Partey's significance, stated, "Thomas Partey is one of our most important players. Without his injury, he certainly would be in the squad, we know the quality of the player that he is."
The coach detailed conversations with Partey and Arsenal's medical team, highlighting the need for caution due to the nature of Partey's substantial injury.
”I’ve spent a lot of this period of time with Thomas and also engaged the medical staff at Arsenal. They will treat this injury with caution, and so will the player. This is a big injury for him, the biggest injury he’s had.”
"The most important thing for me as head coach is to give him the support he needs during this period of time. From all the information we’ve been given, the timelines of his recovery and the caution that will be taken, [his recovery] will not meet our timelines for the AFCON," added Hughton.
Ghana's central midfield options for the AFCON will include Salis Samed, Baba Iddrisu, Elisha Owusu, Majeed Ashimeru, and Richmond Lamptey, the captain of Asante Kotoko. The AFCON commences on January 13, with Ivory Coast hosting the opening match against Guinea Bissau.
The Black Stars embark on their campaign the following day against Cape Verde.
