Ghana coach Chris Hughton is optimistic that Thomas Partey will be able to compete in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) next year.
Partey has been declared out for the remainder of the season after sustaining a muscular injury during the international friendlies in October.
The midfielder played for Ghana against Mexico and the United States but has not appeared for Arsenal since his return.
The 30-year-old will miss Ghana’s first Group I games of the 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros later this month due to the injury.
His rehabilitation time appears to have worsened following a setback in his recovery, requiring the former Atletico Madrid star to consult a specialist for a thigh injury.
Hughton is optimistic Partey will be able to compete in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) despite the setback.
“We are all very much aware of the quality of player that he is. Unfortunately for us, he is injured at this period of time,” he told BBC Africa.
“We are very very hopeful that he will be fit and back playing and in good form by the time we get to AFCON but at this very moment we don’t know,” he added.
Ghana will host Madagascar at the Baba Yara Stadium on November 17 before heading to Comoros at the Stade de Moroni on November 21.
Following the end of the two games, the Black Stars will prepare for the AFCON in Ivory Coast in 2023.
