Thomas Partey suffers setback, ruled out of Al-Shabab’s next two fixtures

Al-Shabab midfielder Thomas Partey has been ruled out of the club’s upcoming Saudi Pro League fixtures against Al-Kholood and Al-Fayha, following a minor physical setback that requires an intensive recovery program.

The 33-year-old Ghanaian international is set to undergo specialized training sessions under the direct supervision of the club’s fitness staff.

This cautious approach ensures the veteran midfielder achieves full fitness before returning to competitive action, minimizing any risks of aggravating the injury.

The timing of the injury comes as a significant blow to the Riyadh-based club, given that Partey only recently joined the team.

The former Arsenal and Villarreal star signed a one-year deal as a free agent on August 21, 2026, with Al-Shabab planning to anchor their midfield around his extensive European experience.

Consequently, management has decided to take no chances with his rehabilitation timeline, prioritizing his long-term availability over immediate selection.

Club officials remain optimistic that this tailored training regimen will allow him to integrate smoothly back into the starting lineup once he successfully clears his medical benchmarks.

In the meantime, the technical staff faces the immediate challenge of restructuring the midfield layout for the next two matches.

It is unsure if the Ghana deputy captain will be available for the September AFCON qualifiers.