Partey a fitness concern for Arsenal after sitting out Ghana match

Thomas Partey is a fitness concern ahead of Arsenal’s return to Premier League action next weekend after sitting out Ghana’s match with Angola.

The 29-year-old played a full part in Tuesday’s 1-0 Africa Cup of Nations qualifying win over the same opponents, but was not called upon for Monday’s 1-1 draw in Talatona.

Ghana head coach Chris Hughton later explained Partey, who missed two Arsenal games in February with a back injury, was not risked due to a minor problem.

“Thomas has some small issues,” Hughton said at his post-match press conference. “We felt it was too big of a risk to start him.”

Partey, who was accompanied on Ghana duty by Arsenal physio Simon Murphy, has played in 30 of the Gunners’ 39 games this season.

Premier League leaders Arsenal are back in action on Saturday with a home match against Leeds United, before travelling to Liverpool eight days later.

FULL-TIME: It’s all over at the Estadio 11 de Novembro in Luanda.

• Angola 1-1 Ghana

51′ Lucas Joao (pk) / 72′ Osman Bukari #BlackStars | #AFCON2023Q | #ANGGHA| #BringBackTheLove

— Black Stars (@GhanaBlackstars) March 27, 2023