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Arsenal have been dealt a fresh injury blow as star central midfielder Thomas Partey has withdrawn himself from the Ghana squad ahead of their Africa Cup of Nations Qualifiers against Sudan. He has been sent by the club for tests, as per The Mirror.
This will worry his manager Mikel Arteta a lot given that he has already been forced to lose Martin Odegaard, Jurrien Timber, Ben White, Oleksandr Zinchenko, and Kieran Tierney for extended periods of time due to injuries.
Kai Havertz, who has played a big role in the attacking third for the Gunners this season, has also withdrawn from Germany's squad in this international break with a knee injury.
Defensive midfielder Partey, renowned for his duelling in the centre of the park as well as qualities in intercepting play and creating transitions, could add to the worries that Arteta has. Arsenal will desperately hope for him to clear his tests.
The Ghana Football Association, in a statement, revealed on Monday, October 7, that Partey - despite being a part of the squad initially - has been ruled out with an injury.
"Thomas Partey, Joseph Painstil, Kingsley Schindler, and Osman Ibrahim have been ruled out of the 2025 TotalEnergies Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Sudan due to injuries they picked up over the weekend," it read.
"The four players were initially part of Coach Otto Addo's 25-man squad for the double header. 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," it added.
Thomas Partey has been vital for Arsenal this season
Partey has been vital for Arsenal this season, and he has started in every fixture for them so far in both the Premier League and the UEFA Champions League, playing 741 minutes for the club. Although he is primarily a midfielder, the 31-year-old slotted in at right-back in their 3-1 win over Southampton at home on Saturday, October 5.
If he is indeed ruled out for a considerable amount of time, Arsenal will be deeply worried as they do not have enough cover in midfield. Jorginho and Declan Rice will remain the sole senior central midfielders in the squad fit to travel south to face Bournemouth on October 19.
