Ghana coach Chris Hughton has officially confirmed the potential inclusion of Thomas Partey in the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The 29-year-old midfielder, recuperating from a lingering muscle injury sustained after the October international break, has been sidelined for the majority of the past two months.
Despite his return to mild training last week, Partey’s expected absence from Arsenal until the new year adds an element of uncertainty regarding his availability for the AFCON, slated to commence in the Ivory Coast on January 13, 2024.
Optimism surrounds Partey’s potential comeback, as Hughton has included him in Ghana’s 55-man provisional squad for the prestigious tournament.
The former Premier League manager emphasized the obligation for clubs to release players for international competitions, stating unequivocally that Arsenal and manager Mikel Arteta have no choice in this matter.
Hughton addressed the issue on talkSPORT, dismissing any notion of a debate regarding player availability for the AFCON. He stressed that January is the designated time for countries to assemble their players for camp, emphasizing that clubs, including Arsenal, are bound to release their players for national duty.
While acknowledging the possibility of negotiations between clubs and national associations regarding specific player arrival dates, Hughton underscored that, ultimately, there is no choice when it comes to fulfilling international obligations.
The Black Stars find themselves in a challenging group alongside formidable opponents such as Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique for the 2023 AFCON.
As the anticipation builds for the 34th edition of the tournament, scheduled to run from January 13 to February 11, the inclusion of Thomas Partey in Ghana’s provisional squad adds a layer of intrigue to their campaign, with fans eagerly awaiting updates on the midfielder’s recovery and potential participation in this prestigious African football showcase.
