Ghana’s Black Stars coach, Chris Hughton, has emphatically defended the decision to include the recovering Thomas Partey in the provisional 55-man squad for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). Despite the 30-year-old midfielder being sidelined with injury since October, Hughton remains resolute in his stance, asserting that there is no room for debate.
Partey, a key figure for both Ghana and Premier League club Arsenal, has been diligently working on his recovery at the gym, aiming to regain full fitness ahead of the prestigious tournament scheduled to take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 to February 11, 2024.
Questions have arisen regarding Arsenal’s willingness to release the former Atletico Madrid player for international duty, considering his recent injury concerns.
However, Hughton dismisses any uncertainty surrounding Partey’s participation, emphasizing that, if fit, the midfielder will unquestionably be a part of Ghana’s squad.
Speaking on talkSPORT, Hughton addressed the matter decisively, stating, “I don’t think it’s a debate.
We have a AFCON in January. That’s when a particular country wants their players to report to camp. They [Arsenal and Arteta] have no choice.”
Hughton underscores the longstanding tradition of collaboration between clubs and national associations, acknowledging the possibility of certain players joining camp slightly later due to mutual agreements.
However, when it comes to the availability of players, Hughton asserts that there is no room for negotiation.
The inclusion of Thomas Partey in the provisional squad not only underscores Hughton’s confidence in the midfielder’s recovery but also highlights the collaborative relationship between national teams and their respective clubs.
As the countdown to AFCON 2023 intensifies, the focus remains on the fitness and readiness of key players like Partey, as Ghana aims for a strong showing in the continental tournament.
