Where is Thomas Partey? Why Ghana and Arsenal midfielder is not playing at AFCON 2023

Ghana begin their 2023 Africa Cup of Nations campaign against Cape Verde on Sunday, January 14, with the Black Stars chasing their fifth continental title and a first since 1982.

Their form under current boss Chris Hughton has been indifferent, despite the presence of talents such as Mohammed Kudus, Inaki Williams and the experienced Ayew brothers.

Things would be much more straightforward for Hughton if he could select Thomas Partey as a midfield foil for the lavishly gifted Kudus, who has enjoyed strong form for West Ham in the Premier League this season and will likely be a key part of Ghana’s efforts in the Ivory Coast.

But Arsenal’s former Atletico Madrid star has barely been seen over recent months, with his fitness issues being felt by Mikel Arteta as the Gunners’ Premier League title challenge falters.

He will not play any part at the AFCON in 2024 as Ghana attempt to match Cameroon on five continental titles.

MORE: AFCON 2023 Golden Boot: Top goalscorers at Africa Cup of Nations in 2024

Why Thomas Partey is not playing at AFCON

Since joining Arsenal in October 2020, Partey has missed the equivalent of more than an entire Premier League season, with nine separate injury complaints taking out a total of 42 games.

Only five of these were last season as the Gunners pushed Manchester City close for glory in England’s top flight.

The 30-year-old’s problems have returned with a vengeance this season. He has managed just 341 Premier League minutes overall.

A groin injury forced Partey to miss matches against Manchester United, Everton, Bournemouth and Tottenham earlier in the season. A return to the fray was cut short by a thigh injury in October and he has not played for club or country since.

“It was about common sense,” Arteta said earlier this month when asked about Partey’s omission from Ghana’s AFCON squad.

“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.”

Partey and fellow long-term absentee Jurrien Timber have each travelled with Arsenal to their warm-weather training break in Dubai but, as Arteta stated, a return does not appear to be imminent.

What did Chris Hughton say about Thomas Partey?

Hughton did not sugarcoat the significance of the Black Stars being without Partey for their campaign in the Ivory Coast.

“Thomas Partey for sure, and I say this not in a detrimental way to the squad that we have, but he is one of our most important players,” the former Brighton & Hove Albion and Newcastle United manager said.

“This we know and, withstanding his injury, he certainly would be in the squad. We know the quality of player that he is. This is a player that has a substantial injury.

“I’ve spent a lot over this period of time with Thomas and also engaging with the medical staff at Arsenal Football Club.

“They will treat this injury with caution, and so will the player. This is a big injury for him and the biggest injury that he’s had.

“The most important thing for me as head coach and our association is to give him the support that he needs through this period of time.

“From all the information that we’ve been given, the timelines of his recovery and the caution that will be taken, will not meet our timelines for the AFCON.”

Ghana AFCON 2023 squad 

Brothers Andre Ayew and Jordan Ayew have more than 200 caps between them, but plenty of the emphasis when it comes to lifting a shot-shy attack will be on experienced forward Inaki Williams, who has eight in 18 for Athletic Bilbao in La Liga this season.

Position Player Club GK Richard Ofori Orlando Pirates (RSA) GK Lawrence Ati-Zigi St. Gallen (SUI) GK Joe Wollacott Hibernian (SCO) DEF Daniel Amartey Besiktas (TUR) DEF Alexander Djiku Fenerbahce (TUR) DEF Gideon Mensah Auxerre (FRA) DEF Nicholas Opoku Amiens (FRA) DEF Alidu Seidu Clermont (FRA) DEF Denis Odoi Club Brugge (BEL) DEF Mohammed Salisu Monaco (FRA) DEF Kingsley Schindler Samsunspor (TUR) DEF Abdul Fatawu Hamidu Medeama (GHA) MID Mohammed Kudus West Ham (ENG) MID Iddrisu Baba Mallorca (ESP) MID Salis Abdul Samed Lens (FRA) MID Joseph Paintsil Genk (BEL) MID Elisha Owusu Auxerre (FRA) MID Majeed Ashimeru Anderlecht (BEL) MID Ransford-Yeboah Konigsdorffer Hamburg (GER) MID Richmond Lamptey Asante Kotoko (GHA) FWD Andre Ayew Le Havre (FRA) FWD Jordan Ayew Crystal Palace (ENG) FWD Antoine Semenyo Bournemouth (ENG) FWD Inaki Williams  Athletic Bilbao (SPA) FWD Ernest Nuamah Lyon (FRA) FWD Osman Bukari Red Star Belgrade (SER) FWD Jonathan Sowah Medeama (GHA) Ghana AFCON 2023 fixtures and results

Hughton’s side have been paired with Egypt, who lead the all-time AFCON standings with seven tournament successes.

Either side of that heavyweight clash with Mohamed Salah and company, Ghana will tackle Cape Verde and Mozambique in Group B.

Ghana AFCON 2023 group stage schedule Date Fixture January 14 Ghana vs. Cape Verde January 18 Egypt vs. Ghana January 22 Mozambique vs. Ghana How to watch Ghana at AFCON 2024

Here’s how to watch AFCON 2024 matches across selected areas of the world’s major regions:

Region TV Streaming USA beIN Sports Fubo, beIN Sports Connect, Fanatiz Canada beIN Sports Canada

Fubo Canada, beIN Sports Connect, Fanatiz

UK Sky Sports Sky GO, Now TV Australia beIN Sports beIN Sports India — FanCode

USA: The tournament will be available on beIN Sports with streaming options on Fubo.

Canada: BeIN Sports will provide broadcast coverage with Fubo Canada on streaming duty.

UK: Selected matches will be available on Sky Sports services with streaming available via Sky GO and Now TV.

Australia: BeIN Sports will provide broadcast coverage and streaming services for the tournament.

India: Streaming service FanCode is the place to go for AFCON 2024 matches.