Thomas Partey: Ghana Coach Sends Warning to Arsenal over Release of Midfielder for AFCON

• Chris Hughton has included injured Thomas Partey in his AFCON squad
• The Arsenal midfielder has started his recovery process after months on the sidelines
• The former Atletico Madrid star has not played for the club since October

Black Stars coach Chris Hughton says Arsenal have no choice than to release midfielder Thomas Partey for the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next month.

The 30-year-old has been included in the 55-man provisional squad for the tournament despite being out since October with an injury.

Partey has started light gym work and he is expected to be fully fit before the continental championship.

However, it seems Arsenal will not risk the midfielder by releasing him for the month-long tournament.

“I don’t think it’s a debate. We have an AFCON in the month of January. This is when a particular country wants their players turning up for camp,” the Ghana coach said on talkSPORT.

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“They [Arsenal and Arteta] don’t have a choice. I think what can happen and what has always happened is a relationship between clubs.

“And there will be some associations from countries that maybe allow a particular player to come two days later than the others. That’s something that has always been the case. But I think as regards a choice, there is no choice.”

The Black Stars have been drawn in Group B alongside Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique, as reported by Citi Sports.

Chris Hughton releases 55-man squad

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Black Stars coach, Chris Hughton has released his 55-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next year.

Hughton included England-born West Bromwich Albion forward, Brandon Thomas-Asante as well as 11 home-based players in his team.

The team, which will be pruned to 26 men, also sees youngster Forson Amankwah earning his place in Ghana's squad for the first time.

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Partey begins injury recovery after hitting gym

Sports Brief also reported that Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey has hit the gym as he continues his recovery ahead of his injury comeback.

The 30-year-old Arsenal midfielder has been out since October following an injury he picked during training before their UEFA Champions League clash against RC Lens.

The former Atletico Madrid star has made few appearances for the Gunners this season during the niggling injury problems.