Ghana’s midfield maestro, Thomas Partey, will be a heartbreaking absentee from the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) due to a lingering injury.
This cruel twist of fate robs the Black Stars of their deputy captain and one of their most potent weapons, leaving Coach Chris Hughton with a void to fill in central midfield.
The 30-year-old has not featured for Arsenal since October due to a hamstring problem and has been restricted to five appearances in all competitions this season after sustaining a groin injury at the beginning of the campaign.
While losing Partey is a major blow, the Black Stars still boast a talented midfield contingent. Salis Samed, Baba Iddrisu, Elisha Owusu, Majeed Ashimeru, and Kotoko captain Richmond Lamptey will all vie for the opportunity to step up and fill the Partey-sized void.
The Black Stars are placed in Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde, and Mozambique.
The tournament is set to take place between January 13 and February 11 in Ivory Coast.
The full 27-man squad below
Goalkeepers:
Lawrence Ati Zigi
Richard Ofori
Jojo Wollacott
Defenders:
Alidu Seidu
Dennis Odoi
Kingsley Schindler
Gideon Mensah
Issahaku Fatawu
Daniel Amartey
Nicholas Opoku
Alexander Djiku
Mohammed Salisu
Midfielders:
Samed Salis
Baba Iddrisu
Majeed Ashimeru
Elisha Owusu
Richmond Lamptey
Mohammed Kudus
Andre Ayew
Ransford Konigsdorffer
Osman Bukari
Joseph Paintsil
Jordan Ayew
Ernest Nuamah
Strikers:
Inaki Williams
Antoine Semenyo
Jonathan Sowah
All squads are provisional until the final list of 27 players is announced by CAF after submission on January 3.
