Arsenal confirms Partey injury after Black Stars omission

By Daniel ODURO, Accra 

English Premier League side Arsenal have confirmed that Ghana International Thomas Partey has sustained an injury that may keep him on the side-lines for a couple of weeks.

Suspicion of Partey’s injury came to the fore when he was left out of the Black Stars squad for the AFCON qualifier against the Central African Republic.

Black Stars coach Chris Hughton had named his squad on Saturday without the Arsenal star and players such as Daniel Amartey.

Of all the absentees it was that of Partey that got many Ghanaians worried and talking.

The Black Stars medical doctor Dr Prince Pambo had mentioned in a statement that Partey had picked up an injury in training but his explanation was met with some scepticism.

Dr Pambo’s explanation has now been confirmed by Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta after Partey was also left out of Arsenal’s crucial league game against Manchester United at the Emirates stadium on Sunday.

Speaking to the press before the game, the Arsenal coach said, “We need a few more tests, he felt something in training.”

Partey’s injury record the last few years is well documented with the latest instalment a blow to both club and country.

With Arsenal hoping to challenge Man City once again for the title, they will need all their key players such as Partey to stay fit for the crucial games.

The Black Stars deputy captain was expected to play a key part as Ghana attempts to beat CAR and book a place at the next Africa Cup of Nations to be played in Ivory Coast in January 2024.

The Black Stars will play Central Africa Republic at the Baba Yara stadium in Kumasi on Thursday, September 7.