Thomas Partey has withdrawn from the Ghana squad for the matches against Sudan due to medical reasons. UK journalist Charles Watts clarified that he is experiencing an illness but not an injury, prompting a precautionary decision to rest him. Partey joins three other players in withdrawing from the squad, leading to new player call-ups ahead of the upcoming matches.
On October 7, 2024, the Ghana Football Association (GFA) announced updates regarding the squad for the Black Stars’ upcoming matches against Sudan, with significant news pertaining to the absence of Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey. The GFA cited medical reasons as the cause of Partey’s inability to participate in the matches scheduled for the October international break. In their statement, the GFA disclosed, “Thomas is unable to join the Black Stars due to medical issues he is currently experiencing, and his club has scheduled him for further tests in the coming days.” UK journalist Charles Watts provided clarity on the situation, indicating that Partey is not injured but is experiencing a minor illness. He emphasized that while the condition is not serious, both Arsenal and the GFA concurred that resting Partey was prudent, considering his significant minutes on the pitch this season. “Thomas Partey is staying with Arsenal during the international break. Understand he has been suffering a bit of illness (not an injury) and so it has been agreed he should rest up for a bit after playing so many minutes this season. Purely precaution,” Watts stated. Additionally, Partey is among four players who have withdrawn from the 25-man squad for the matches against Sudan on October 10 and 14. Other players who have exited the squad include Joseph Paintsil, Kingsley Schindler, and Ibrahim Osman. In light of these withdrawals, Coach Otto Addo has called up players such as Francis Abu from Cercle Brugge and AZ Alkmaar’s Ibrahim Sadiq to fill these gaps. The first leg of the encounter is set to take place at the Accra Sports Stadium on October 10, 2024.
The announcement regarding Thomas Partey’s withdrawal from the Ghana national team highlights the intersection of player health and international competition. As a pivotal player for both Arsenal and the Ghanaian national team, Partey’s fitness is crucial for successful outings. The decision to pull him from the squad illustrates a growing awareness within football organizations regarding the well-being of players, advocating rest and recovery over immediate participation. This development is occurring amid the busy October international break, a period often filled with matches where clubs and national teams must balance player fatigue with competitive needs.
In conclusion, Thomas Partey’s withdrawal from the Ghana squad due to medical concerns, clarified by UK journalist Charles Watts as a minor illness rather than an injury, signifies the critical approach both Arsenal and the GFA are taking towards player health. As the Black Stars prepare for their matches against Sudan, the inclusion of new players in Partey’s absence underscores the team’s adaptability to unforeseen circumstances while aiming for success on the field.
Original Source: www.ghanaweb.com
