Ghana’s Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton, expressed regret over the absence of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey from the final squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
Speaking to the media after announcing the squad, Hughton revealed that Partey’s full recovery from his current injury would not align with the timelines for the AFCON.
Hughton acknowledged Partey’s significance as one of the team’s most important players and highlighted the cautious approach adopted by both him and the medical staff at Arsenal in treating the substantial injury.
The former Premier League manager emphasized the need to support Partey during this challenging period, considering it to be the biggest injury the player has faced.
“Thomas Partey is one of our most important players. Without his injury, he certainly would be in the squad, we know the quality of player that he is. This is a player that suffered a substantial injury,” the former Premier League manager said.
”I’ve spent a lot of this period of time with Thomas and also engaged with the medical staff at Arsenal. They will treat this injury with caution and so will the player. This is a big injury for him, the biggest injury he’s had.
“The most important thing for me as head coach is to give him the support he needs during this period of time. From all the information we’ve been given, the timelines of his recovery and the caution that will be taken, [his recovery] will not meet our timelines for the AFCON.
