Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been withdrawn from Ghana’s squad for the upcoming 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Sudan, due to injury.
Initially selected by Coach Otto Addo for the 25-man team, Partey was anticipated to lead the Black Stars in Andre Ayew’s absence, a captaincy role he had recently taken on in international play.
The 30-year old withdrawal follows Arsenal’s request for further medical evaluations, which forced his continued presence in London.
Besides Partey, injuries have also sidelined three other players: Joseph Paintsil from LA Galaxy, Osman Ibrahim of Feyenoord, and Kingsley Schindler from Samsunspor.
Paintsil suffers from hamstring discomfort after LA Galaxy’s latest victory, prompting a scheduled MRI on October 7.
Similarly, Osman sustained a hamstring injury over the weekend, and Schindler’s medical emergency stopped his travel to Accra.
Coach Otto Addo has responded promptly with replacements like Michael Baidoo from IF Elfsborg, Abu Francis of Cercle Brugge, Jonas Adjetey, and Ibrahim Sadick to strengthen the squad for the crucial qualifiers.
Without Partey, Jordan Ayew of Leicester City is likely to assume the captain’s role for the double header against the Falcons of Jedaine of Sudan.
The first of two games against Sudan is slated for Thursday, October 10, followed by the second on October 14. These matches are essential for Ghana to improve their sluggish start in the qualifiers.