Thomas Partey Dropped as Ghana Coach Chris Hughton Names Final AFCON 2023 Squad

• Ghana coach Chris Hughton has named his AFCON squad
• Arsenal star Thomas Partey dropped from final 27-man team
• Fatawu Issahaku and Baba Rahman were also omitted from the team

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been dropped from Ghana's squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The 30-year-old, who is recovering from an injury he sustained in October last year, failed to return to full fitness for the tournament.

The absence of the ex-Atletico Madrid star is a huge blow for the four-time African champions.

However, Chris Hughton will count on the experience of captain Andre Ayew and the in-form West Ham United attacker Mohammed Kudus.

Returning to the squad is AS Monaco centre-back Mohammed Salisu as well as Alexander Djiku of Fenerbache.

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Hughton also included three home-based players in the team. Asante Kotoko midfielder Richmond Lamptey and Medeama duo Fatawu Hamidu and Jonathan Sowah will travel with the squad to Ivory Coast.

Defender Baba Rahman and Fatawu Issahaku of Leicester City opted out of the team for various reasons.

Ghana have been drawn in Group B alongside seven-time champions Egypt, Cape Verde and Mozambique.

Below is Ghana's final 27-man squad:

Injured Partey included in 55-man squad

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Black Stars coach, Chris Hughton 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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Ghana placed in Group B at AFCON

Sports Brief also reported that four-time African champions, Ghana have been drawn in Group B of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast.

The Black Stars will face seven-time African champions Egypt, and West African rivals Cape Verde and Mozambique in their group.

Ghana are chasing a fifth Africa Cup of Nations title after last winning the tournament in 1982.