Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey won’t play for Ghana in Thursday’s match against Ethiopia but he could face South Africa this weekend, according to Goal‘s Charles Watts.
The 28-year-old missed the 1-0 win over Watford at the weekend due to a groin injury and Watts has confirmed that the Ghanaian has not yet left England as his fitness is assessed:
Final decision yet to be taken on Thomas Partey. His injury is still being assessed. He’s likely to miss Thursday’s game, but he might still fly out later this week ahead of the South Africa match on Sunday. Dialogue continuing with Ghana. pic.twitter.com/xg5r5TzKcI
— Charles Watts (@charles_watts) November 9, 2021
Most fans on Twitter want Partey to sit out this international break in order to make sure he is fit for the Liverpool game on Saturday week:
He should sit out the match against South Africa as well imo
— Greg (@COYG_Sibusiso) November 9, 2021
Hope he gets well soon.
— 4PFAnyi🇬🇧 (@okafo_obiora) November 9, 2021
As long as he’s fit for Anfield, that’s all we need.
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) November 9, 2021
The man has to be fit for the Liverpool game
— S'saba (@e_masaba) November 9, 2021
They should please let him recover to face liverpool
— TONERRY (@iam_tonerry) November 9, 2021
We are going to be needing 101% of Partey against Liverpool. Please let him not play any game for Ghana in this break. He is so crucial for #Arsenal
— J’Ovie (@KingEmma87) November 9, 2021
I do not wanna think about not having this guy against lfc.
— Azer 🇦🇿🇹🇷 (@AzerrS) November 9, 2021
I hope he just stays at Arsenal for this international break
— 🧑🏻🦼 (@IhateRefs) November 9, 2021
Must absolutely stay at London Colney!
— Jack Maulkerson (@JackMaulks) November 9, 2021
At the end of the day, the decision will be made by the player. Ghana will want Partey to be involved if he is available, while the Gunners would probably prefer he stay behind.
However, Partey may be keen to help his national team as they aim to qualify for the 2022 World Cup. As Watts says, nothing has been decided upon yet and we will find out more later this week.