Amidst the struggles with injuries faced by the talented Arsenal midfielder, Thomas Partey, former Ghana captain Asamoah Gyan has expressed admiration for his exceptional abilities, describing him as a rare talent that Ghana dearly misses on the field.
Throughout the challenging season, Partey endured a four-month hiatus due to a muscle injury sustained in October, leaving a notable void in the team’s dynamics, particularly evident during the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Ivory Coast. Since October last year, he hasn’t been able to contribute to the Black Stars.
In a recent interview on Asempa FM, Gyan stressed the significance of Partey’s absence, attributing it to both his remarkable talent and unfortunate injury setbacks. Gyan lamented the absence of a player of Partey’s caliber and emphasized that the injuries were beyond Partey’s control.
Gyan further defended Partey against unwarranted criticism, shedding light on the challenges of returning to form after a prolonged injury layoff. He highlighted that it takes time for a player to regain peak performance after such setbacks, urging for patience and understanding from fans and pundits alike.
In his recent comeback, Partey has made three substitute appearances, signaling a gradual return to action. Since his debut for the Black Stars in 2016, the former Atletico Madrid star has amassed an impressive record of 47 caps and 13 goals for his national team.
With his eyes set on the horizon, Partey is determined to reclaim his spot in the Black Stars’ lineup for the forthcoming 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Mali and the Central African Republic (CAR). His return to full fitness and form is eagerly anticipated by fans and stakeholders alike as Ghana seeks to bolster its squad for the upcoming challenges on the international stage.
