Why Arsenal star Thomas Partey has been axed from Ghana squad as boss explains decision

star has been left out of the Ghana squad for their two African Cup of Nations qualifiers over the November international break.

The Black Stars travel to Angola on Friday, November 15 before hosting Niger on Monday, November 18 - two pivotal games in the race for AFCON qualification. But Ghana boss Otto Addo has decided to go without the experienced midfielder for those matches.

Speaking on the decision to axe Partey from the 25-man squad, Addo said: "I had a confidential talk with Thomas. I am a coach who always likes to protect the players, so I hope for your understanding. For me, the team is like family, I am not coming out with internal issues - but I made it quite clear to him.

"He wanted to come, he wanted to come, but I made it quite clear why he is not coming. Like I said, it's confidential. It is difficult for me to mention all the things. It's like that. We have to move on.

"Now, as you know, Thomas is not coming and it's not a permanent thing, so we are always open for him to return. I hope that the things we talked that he will do better in that and that he will join the team maybe in the next window in March. I think he had a good perspective. We had a good talk and we are on good terms."

Brighton's Tariq Lamptey, West Ham's Mohammed Kudus, Bournemouth's Antoine Semenyo and Leicester duo Abdul Fatawu and Jordan Ayew are the Premier League representatives in the Ghana squad.

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Partey missed Ghana's matches in October due to illness, but was fit and available for selection this time around. However, he will now have a two-week break and won't be representing his nation over the international break. That could be a boost to Arsenal as they prepare for another busy fixture schedule.