Thomas Partey: Arsenal Star Wanted to Play for Ghana at AFCON 2023 Says Arteta

• Thomas Partey will miss the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations
• The Arsenal star was named in Ghana’s provisional 55-man squad
• Partey has made 45 appearances for the Black Stars since 2016

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has disclosed the reason why midfielder Thomas Partey was left out of Ghana’s final 27-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in the Ivory Coast.

The Gunners midfielder was expected to play a key role for the Black Stars at the competition, but his injury crisis meant he was left out of Chris Hughton’s final list despite being included in the provisional 55-man squad.

According to Kickoff, Arteta confirmed Partey was pushing himself hard in rehab so he could be part of the Ghanaian team in Ivory Coast but maintains it made common sense for him not to attend.

“It was about common sense. He had a long-term injury, he was trying to push his rehab because he really wanted to be with his national team, but he’s still far from training with the team and it didn’t make sense for him to be involved.”

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Partey will be a huge miss for Ghana who will kickstart their AFCON 2023 campaign on January 14 against Cape Verde, before further group games against Egypt and Mozambique.

Kudus joins Black Stars training

Meanwhile, West Ham United winger Mohammed Kudus has joined the Ghanaian national team in Kumasi as preparations intensify for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, Ghana FA reports.

The former Ajax star gave Ghanaians a scare after he picked up a knock in the Hammers' victory over Arsenal and has been out of action for close to two weeks before arriving at the Black Stars camp.

Kudus aims to recover in time before Ghana’s opening game against Cape Verde on January 14.

Black Stars tipped for upset

Earlier, Sports Brief reported that Ghana icon Nii Odartey Lamptey believes the Black Stars should not be underestimated ahead of the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast next month.

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The four-time African champions have been unconvincing in recent years, making many Ghanaians doubtful of their chances at AFCON 2023.

Ghana has not won the tournament since 1982, although reaching the final three times during the prior three decades.