Thomas Partey: Ghana coach explains why Arsenal star missed Angola game

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey was not included in the Black Stars' 1-1 draw against Angola due to minor injury concerns, according to head coach Chris Hughton. 

The Arsenal star had played the entire duration of Ghana's 1-0 win over Angola on March 23, but his absence for the 2023 AFCON qualifier on Monday came as a surprise. 

Hughton said that Partey's absence was due to small injury issues and starting him would have been too risky.

“Thomas has some small issues, he has some small injury issues and we felt it was too big a risk to start him,” Hughton said.

Other players, including Denis Odoi, Salisu Mohammed, Andre Ayew and Alexander Djiku, were also sidelined with varying injuries.