Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been left out of Ghana’s squad for the Africa Cup of Nations this month as he continues to recover from a thigh injury.
Ghana boss Chris Hughton on Monday explained that both club and country were exercising caution with Partey, who injured his thigh in October.
The midfielder underwent a small surgery the following month and had hoped to return in time to play for Arsenal before the Africa Cup of Nations starts on January 13.
The 30-year-old, however, has been left out of Ghana’s 27-man squad and Hughton has stressed how Partey is recovering from the biggest injury of his career to date.
“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,” said Hughton.
“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.”
