Arsenal's Thomas Partey axed from Ghana squad as boss explains 'confidential' talks

Thomas Partey has been cut from the squad after “confidential” talks with boss Otto Addo.

The midfielder was a surprise absence from the Black Stars’ most recent squad for upcoming qualifiers. They will take on Angola and Niger later this month.

And boss Addo has now revealed that Partey was axed from the squad after talks between the pair - but did not reveal the reason for his omission. “I had a confidential talk with Thomas,” said Addo. “I am a coach who always likes to protect the players, so I hope for your understanding.

“For me, the team is like family, I am not coming out with internal issues - but I made it quite clear to him. He wanted to come, he wanted to come, but I made it quite clear why he is not coming.

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“Like I said, it’s confidential. It is difficult for me to mention all the things. It’s like that. We have to move on. Now, as you know, Thomas is not coming and it’s not a permanent thing, so we are always open for him to return.

“I hope that the things we talked that he will do better in that and that he will join the team maybe in the next window in March. I think he had a good perspective. We had a good talk and we are on good terms.”

Partey, 31, is a 51-cap international for his nation having made his debut in 2016. The midfielder has also captained Ghana on a host of occasions but that role will be claimed by ’s Jordan Ayew for this month’s fixtures.

What has gone wrong for Arsenal recently?

Despite his international axe, Partey has still enjoyed a positive start to the new season. The former star has already made 15 appearances in all competitions.

He has also had to deputise in defence amid an ongoing injury crisis in North London. And has been full of praise for him.

Speaking recently, the Arsenal boss said: “I’ll need to make that assessment once I have more clarity about where he struggled, but I don’t have the impression he struggled much.

“Every time we have that situation with Thomas playing a different position, it’s because we don’t have another right-back at the moment. We’re always going to have that debate, and Thomas is fantastic.”

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