Arsenal's Thomas Partey left out of Ghana squad for AFCON due to 'biggest injury he's had'

Despite being named in Ghana's provisional squad for the upcoming Africa Cup of Nations, the Arsenal star has been omitted from their final 27-man squad as he is yet to recover from his thigh injury that he suffered back earlier this season.

Speaking to reporters after disclosing the final squad, Ghana manager Hughton said, "Thomas Partey for sure, and I say this not in a detrimental way to the squad that we have, but he is one of our most important players. This we know and, withstanding his injury, he certainly would be in the squad. We know the quality of the player that he is. This is a player that has a substantial injury.

"I’ve spent a lot over this period of time with Thomas and also engaging with the medical staff at Arsenal Football Club. They will treat this injury with caution, and so will the player. This is a big injury for him and the biggest injury that he’s had. The most important thing for me as head coach and our association is to give him the support that he needs through this period of time."

The 30-year-old, who has appeared in just four Premier League matches thus far in the season, injured his hamstring in October. He last appeared for the Gunners in their 1-0 win over Manchester City and was also part of the Black Stars squad that took on Mexico and the United States during the October international break.

The former Atletico Madrid star will continue to receive treatment in Arsenal's facilities with the injury considered the 'biggest' he has ever endured and it remains to be seen when the player returns to action for Mikel Arteta's side.