Thomas Partey, three others withdraw from Black Stars squad to face Sudan in 2025 AFCON qualifiers

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has withdrawn from Ghana’s squad ahead of their 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) qualifiers against Sudan due to medical issues.

Los Angeles Galaxy’s Joseph Paintsil, Feyenoord’s Ibrahim Osman and Samsunspor defender Kingsley Schindler have also been confirmed injured and will miss the match.

Ghana will take on Sudan in a crucial double header on Thursday October 10 in Accra and Monday, October 14 in the away fixture but the Black Stars are set to miss to the crucial games without a handful of regulars.

Partey’s withdrawal comes after Arsenal requested additional medical tests for the player, forcing him to stay in London. The club’s concerns about his fitness led to this precautionary move.

The 30-year-old was originally included in Otto Addo’s 25-man squad and was anticipated to captain the Black Stars in Andre Ayew's absence, a role he has embraced in recent international matches.

On the other hand, Paintsil is dealing with hamstring pain following LA Galaxy’s recent win, and club doctors have scheduled an MRI for October 7.

Similarly, Ibrahim Osman picked up a hamstring injury over the weekend, and Schindler had a medical emergency that prevented him from traveling to Accra.

Coach Otto Addo has quickly called up replacements to strengthen the squad ahead of the crucial qualifiers. Among those added are Michael Baidoo from IF Elfsborg, Abu Francis from Cercle Brugge, Jonas Adjetey and Ibrahim Sadick.