Did Thomas Partey intentionally skip Ghana's AFCON qualifiers against Sudan?

Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey is poised to play for Arsenal this weekend after recovering from an illness that kept him out of Ghana’s recent Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan.

The midfielder remained in London due to illness, missing the Black Stars’ games against Sudan.

Now fully recovered, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed his availability for the Premier League clash against Bournemouth on Saturday, October 19.

“Thomas Partey is fit and ready. As for Gabriel Martinelli and Havertz, we will decide today,” Arteta said. “Ben White, Timber, and Zinchenko are quite close, and we hope for some positive news,” Arteta said.

Partey’s absence was noticeable for Ghana, who drew 0-0 with Sudan in Accra before suffering a 2-0 defeat in Libya, placing their AFCON 2025 qualification hopes in jeopardy.

In his absence, Mohammed Kudus captained the side and later issued an apology on behalf of the team for the disappointing results during the October international break.

However, the results have further harmed the Black Stars chances of qualifying to the 2025 AFCON in Morocco that will be held from December 21, 2025 to January 18, 2026. Ghana last missed out on competing in an AFCON in 2004.