Arsenal Midfielder Misses Key Match Due to Minor Injury Concerns

Thomas Partey was absent from the pitch as Ghana rallied to secure a 1-1 draw against Angola during Monday night’s 2023 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Luanda.

The Arsenal star has been a pivotal figure in Mikel Arteta’s squad this season, helping the Gunners maintain their five-point lead over Manchester City in the Premier League title race. Arsenal returns to action on Sunday at home against Leeds United.

Partey has already missed five league matches this season due to injury, including February’s defeat to Manchester City and a victory over Aston Villa, both impacted by a thigh issue. To strengthen the midfield, Arsenal signed Jorginho from Chelsea during the January transfer window after failing to secure Brighton’s Moises Caicedo, who later signed a long-term deal with his current club.

Ghana coach Chris Hughton addressed Partey’s absence, explaining the decision to leave him on the bench: “Thomas has some small issues. We felt it was too big of a risk to start him.”

Despite Partey’s absence, Ghana managed to earn a vital point in their AFCON campaign, showing resilience in a challenging away fixture.