AFCON 2023: Arsenal boss explains why he denied Partey from joining the Black Stars

Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta says Thomas Partey was willing to join the Black Stars for the AFCON 2023 in Ivory Coast but the decision did not make sense.

Partey was excluded from Ghana’s final list for the AFCON and has not featured in a game for his club since October due to injury. Since Ghana’s 4-0 loss to the United States of America in a friendly, he has not been named in Ghana’s squad thus missing the two World Cup qualifying games played in November.

Speaking during the pre match press conference for the FA Cup game between Arsenal and Liverpool, Arteta says Partey was not selected for the AFCON because he is not even ready for training sessions.

“It was about common sense. He had a long-term injury. He really wanted to be with his national team but he’s still far from training for the team, and it didn’t make sense for him to be involved.” He said.

Ghana will now rely on Baba Iddrisu, Abdul Samed, Majeed Ashimeru, Richmond Lamptey and Elisha Owusu to boss the midfield during the tournament. Ghana will play their first game in the AFCON against Cape Verde on 14th January 2024.