Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey handed Black Stars call-up for Ethiopia and South Africa 2022 World Cup qualifiers despite injury

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey has been handed a Black Stars call-up for Ethiopia and South Africa 2022 World Cup qualifiers despite an injury.

Partey has been ruled out of action for three weeks with an ankle injury by the Gunners.

The 28-year-old was injured during Arsenal’s 2-1 pre-season friendly defeat to Chelsea at Emirates Stadium.

Partey, who joined Arsenal last October from Atletico Madrid, appeared to suffer an ankle injury following a tackle by Morocco and Chelsea forward Hakim Ziyech and was withdrawn five minutes before half-time.

He will miss Arsenal’s opening game of the season against newly-promoted Brentford on Friday, August 13, as well as Chelsea and Manchester City clashes.

Partey made 33 appearances across all competitions and provided three assists in the process last season.

Despite the injury, Black Stars coach CK Akonnor has named the midfielder in his provisional 30-man squad for the upcoming FIFA World Cup qualifiers against  Ethiopia and South Africa next month.

Ghana will take on Ethiopia on Friday, September 3 in Cape Coast before facing South Africa on Monday, September 6, 2021, in Johannesburg.

The winner of the group will qualify for the final two-legged playoff which will involve other group winners.