Chris Hughton confirms Thomas Partey no show against Angola due to injury

Black Stars head coach, Chris Hughton, has revealed Thomas Partey did not play against Angola during the second leg of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier due to an injury.

The Arsenal midfielder was heavily involved as Ghana beat Angola in the first encounter at the Baba Yara Stadium last Thursday, March 24, but played no part in the 1-1 draw in Luanda.

The decision to not use Partey was a concern not only for Ghanaians but also for Arsenal, who are looking to have all his players available after the international ahead of the season’s final lap.

After the game, Ghana’s gaffer, Hughton confirmed the midfielder’s inactivity was due to an injury concern and didn’t want to take a gamble.

“Thomas [Partey] has some small injury issues and we felt it was too big of a risk to start him,” told the media.

With the international break now over for Ghana, the former Atletico Madrid man will return to England for an assessment ahead of the weekend’s games.

Arsenal play Leeds United and Liverpool in their next two fixtures in the Premier League and the availability of a fully-fit Partey will be key to wrapping up the league title.

Mikel Arteta’s side commands an eight-point lead at the top of the league table though Manchester City have a game in hand.