Thomas Partey: Huge Blow for Ghana as Arsenal Star is Set to Miss Start of World Cup Qualifiers

• Thomas Partey is out with an injury at Arsenal
• The Arsenal star is expected to miss the start of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers
• Ghana will face Madagascar and Comoros in November

The Black Stars of Ghana could start the 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers without key midfielder Thomas Partey.

The Arsenal midfielder is out with an injury and his return date remains a doubt, with two weeks remaining to begin the qualifiers.

The 30-year-old scored the crucial goal that qualified the Black Stars to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar.

His absence will be a huge blow for the West African country, who will face Madagascar and Comoros in the first two matches of Group I in November, as reported by 3news.com.

According to Arsenal manager, Partey's injury has been a huge concern for the club as they eye the Premier League title this season.

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"It is a big concern because when Thomas is fit and available and he’s been part of the team, we’ve seen the results and the impact that he had. This season we have more protection especially for that reason because we know in the last two seasons what has happened and the result it had on the team," Arteta said, as quoted by ghanasoccernet.com.

Partey has played only twenty minutes of football for Arsenal since August 26. He made a cameo in the victory over Manchester City just before the October international break and has not kicked a ball after returning to England.

Meanwhile, coach Chris Hughton is yet to name his squad for the two matches in a fortnight time, with Andre Ayew and Mohammed Salisu a doubt.

Defender Joseph Aidoo is also out for six months after picking an injury in the international friendly against Mexico.

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Mikel Arteta unsure of Partey's injury comeback date

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta is worried over Thomas Partey's niggling injury problems.

The Ghana international has been ruled out of the Gunners' Carabao Cup game against West Ham United after picking an injury a fortnight ago before their UEFA Champions League match against Sevilla.

Partey has only seen 20 minutes of action after recovering from an earlier injury that kept him out since August, coming on as a second-half substitute in the game against Manchester City.