Arsenal star withdraws from international duty due to injury precaution as history repeats itself
Arsenal have already dealt with a host of injury problems this season
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to remain in north London rather than travel to play for national side Ghana during the international break.
The Gunners have already dealt with injury problems this season with Mikel Merino sustaining an injury in his first training session with the club, and Jurrien Timber and Ben White also spending time on the sidelines.
Partey played as a makeshift right back during Arsenal’s 3-1 win over Southampton at the weekend, he has stepped into an important role for Mikel Arteta.
This season, Partey has been a key and almost ever-present part of Arteta’s side, as well as playing a full part in both of Ghana’s games during the September international break. However, last season’s injury problems saw him sit out eight consecutive matches for his country.
Footballers’ workloads and concerns over the implications of the fixture schedule have been spoken about regularly recently.
Instead of joining up with Ghana for their two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying matches, home and away against Sudan, Partey will instead remain at London Colney, reportedly in part because of an illness he has been suffering from over the last few days.
Kai Havertz will also miss out on playing for Germany, with their national side X account saying it was because of “knee problems”, despite the forward being fit enough to play the full match against Southampton.
Captain Martin Odegaard, who was injured on international duty for Norway, will focus on trying to recover from the ankle injury that has kept him sidelined for most of the season so far for Arsenal.
The Gunners go into the international break unbeaten in 16 matches across all competitions, and they became the second club after Manchester United to secure 400 Premier League home victories.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments