Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been left out of the 25-man squad list that was released by Black Stars coach Otto Addo.
The four-time African champions are billed to play Angola and Niger in the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers for Morocco.
A sneak peek through the list sees the notable absence of vice-captain Thomas Partey which has raised lots of questions about his exclusion.
READ MORE : BlackStars squad for two crucial games against Angola and Niger
Speaking at Thursday’s press conference, Ghana coach Otto Addo explained Partey’s absence.
”I had a confidential talk with Thomas. As you know, I’m a coach who always likes to protect the players, so I hope for your understanding. For me, the team is like family, and I’m not coming out with internal issues.”
Otto Addo also clarified that Partey was willing to come down for the international assignment, but he (Otto Addo) asked the Arsenal midfielder not to make the trip.
”First, he wanted to come, but I made it clear why he’s not coming. As I said, it’s confidential, and it’s difficult for me to mention all the details. It’s like that, and we have to move on.” he concluded.
His exclusion will see him miss four of the six qualifying matches for the BlackStars.
Jordan Ayew will take over the mantle of captaincy in the absence of Partey against Angola on November 15 in Luanda, before facing Niger three days later, in Accra.
READ MORE : Ghanaian fullback, David Oduro makes Barcelona B debut
Ghana lies third with two points from four games in the AFCON 2025 qualifying series.
