Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is at risk of sitting out the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations due to a recent setback.
The Arsenal midfielder, who hasn’t played since the October international break, underwent a medical procedure for a thigh injury. Partey featured for the Black Stars in friendly matches against Mexico and the United States of America during the said break.
The 30-year-old hasn’t played for Arsenal since their 1-0 victory over Manchester City in the Premier League a month ago. Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed concern about Partey’s injury, stating that the midfielder is expected to be sidelined for ‘weeks,’ raising worries for the club.
This development could potentially rule Partey out of the upcoming AFCON, scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast in January 2024. Furthermore, Partey is already ruled out of the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros this month, as he was excluded from Chris Hughton’s 25-man squad for these matches.
For Arsenal, Partey’s absence will extend to league games against Burnley, Brentford, Wolves, Luton Town, Aston Villa, and Liverpool, along with other fixtures. He is also expected to miss the Champions League games against RC Lens and PSV.
