Thomas Partey will be unable to feature in Ghana’s Afcon qualifiers against South Africa – Michel Arteta confirmed
Black Stars deputy captain Thomas Partey can only feature in one of the two Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The Black Stars will face South Africa in Johannesburg on March 25, and host Sao Tome and Principe in Accra three days later.
But Arsenal have ruled that Partey cannot play away in South Africa but he can play at home to Sao Tome and Principe.
South Africa is on the UK’s Covid-19 ‘red list’. UK government ruled that anyone returning from coronavirus ‘red list’ countries – including elite athletes – is required to quarantine for 10 days, without exception.
“The ones [Partey and other African players] that are going to be in red zone countries, they won’t be able to play those fixtures,” confirmed Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta.
“The rest we have to allow them to go if they are fit and we will stick to the protocols and all the guidance we have to try to allow our players to go when they are safe.
“Some might be able to play one game and not the next game so it’s a lot still to figure out.
“The doc is in constant communication with the Premier League and the federations but it’s not too simple.”
The Black Stars need a point to seal qualification to the tournament in Cameroon next year. And Ghana Coach C.K Akunnor will be expected to announce his squad on Friday.