Arsenal were reportedly concerned about the fitness of Thomas Partey, with the midfielder being withdrawn at half-time in Ghana’s defeat to Mexico. Still, his National Team manager Chris Hughton has now shared a positive update.
The 30-year-old had been absent since August with injury before coming off the bench in Arsenal’s victory over Manchester City, but played just 45 minutes of Ghana’s 2-0 loss to Mexico in this week’s International break.
Speaking to reporters, Hughton, who has previously managed Brighton and Newcastle in his career, revealed that Partey’s substitution was pre-planned.
Partey substitution was planned
The midfielder, who has regularly struggled with injury since his £45m move from Atletico Madrid in 2020, came off at the interval in the friendly defeat, but Hughton has now explained what is being done to maintain his fitness.
“Thomas was always going to play 45 minutes,” he stated.
“He’s been out injured for three to four weeks, he came back for his club Arsenal last midweek, was on the subs bench for one game, then played 20 minutes in the next game.
“We knew that he was only going to play 45 minutes.”
Caution over Partey
Given his importance to the side, as well as his poor injury record, both Arsenal and Ghana need to be cautious about easing Partey back into the team.
Another injury would only be detrimental, having missed over a month already this season, and rushing him back should be the last thing either Hughton or Mikel Arteta does.
Whilst some may believe that Partey should not have played a part for Ghana in the friendly at all, easing back in with a 45-minute appearance may have been the ideal move to build up his match fitness without putting too much pressure on him so quickly.
Ghana have another friendly coming up, this time against USA, and Partey may be used again to help build his fitness ahead of next weekend’s trip to Chelsea.
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