Why Thomas Partey has been left out of Ghana's Africa Cup of Nations squad

Thomas Partey was left out of Ghana’s squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Here’s why.

Last week, Partey officially lost his race against time to make Ghana’s AFCON 27-man squad.

The Arsenal star is among the Black Star's most important players, having racked up nearly 50 caps since his debut back in 2016.

He has been nursing a serious thigh problem since October but was still expected to be selected by Ghana.

However, the injury has ultimately cost the 30-year-old his place at the AFCON tournament in the Ivory Coast.

Partey was absent from Ghana’s provisional squad in November and was then unsurprisingly still absent when the final list was eventually confirmed.

Speaking at a press conference for the squad announcement, Hughton said: "I've spent a lot of this period of time with Thomas and also engaged the medical staff at Arsenal.

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

"The most important thing for me as head coach is to give him the support he needs during this period of time.

“From all the information 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 are travelling to the Ivory Coast hoping to win only their third-ever African title, having endured several near misses over the past two decades.

Ghana reached the AFCON semi-finals in six consecutive AFCONs between 2008 and 2017, including two runner-up finishes in 2010 and 2015.

Yet they have not been crowned African champions since 1982, when Abedi Pele, football icon and father to veteran internationals Andre and Jordan Ayew, inspired them to victory.

Arsenal, who have lost back-to-back matches in the Premier League, will hope that their upcoming mid-season break will allow Partey the time to accelerate his recovery.