Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton has stated clubs have no choice to release players whose countries will need them for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations slated for early next year.
The English tactician announced his 55-man provisional squad for the AFCON earlier this morning and will trim it down subsequently to the final one.
Players like Thomas Partey, Andre Ayew, Jordan Ayew, Kudus Mohammed, Salis Abdul Samed, Inaki Williams and others have all been handed invites.
Speaking in an interview on TalkSports, the former Brighton gaffer stated European clubs will have no option than to release players for their countries ahead of the AFCON.
“I don’t think it’s a debate. We have an AFCON in the month of January. This is when a particular country wants their players turning up for camp,” Chris Hughton said on talkSPORT.
“They [Arsenal and Arteta] don’t have a choice. I think what can happen and what has always happened is a relationship between clubs.
“And there will be some associations from countries that maybe allow a particular player to come two days later than the others. That’s something that has always been the case. But I think as regards a choice, there is no choice.”
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations is scheduled to commence on January 13, and will run till February 11, 2024.
