Mikel Arteta receives major Arsenal selection boost as Thomas Partey returns from AFCON early

Ghana have been knocked out of the Africa Cup of Nations, meaning Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will be returning to the Emirates Stadium in the coming days.

Arsenal star Thomas Partey will be heading back to north London in the coming days after Ghana’s shock elimination from the Africa Cup of Nations.

The Black Stars were considered one of the favourites for this year’s tournament but were unable to win any of their three group stage outings.

Milovan Rajevac’s side lost 1-0 to Morocco last Monday before sharing the spoils with Gabon following a 1-1 draw on Friday evening.

They then were defeated 3-2 by Comoros after Crystal Palace frontman Andre Ayew was sent off in the opening half an hour, meaning Ghana finished last in Group C.

Comoros surprisingly went 2-0 up before Ghana pulled two back, with Partey registering an assist for the second goal.

However, they were then defeated by a late goal by Annecy midfielder Ahmed Mogni, confirming their exit from the competition.

Whilst Gunners fans will undoubtedly be sympathetic towards Partey they will also be relieved considering their lack of options in midfield, with Granit Xhaka currently suspended and Mohamed Elneny away with Egypt at this year’s Cameroon instalment of the famous tournament.

Credit: football.london