Arsenal star joins Ben White in rejecting international call-up

Arsenal player Thomas Partey has declined an international call-up, joining Ben White in doing so, which will give Mikel Arteta a major boost.

When Gareth Southgate named his England squad last week for their friendlies against Brazil and Belgium, there was one notable absence.

Not because Southgate was unwilling to choose Ben White, but rather because the Arsenal defender withdrew himself from consideration for selection.

Partey becomes the second Arsenal player to reject international call-up

Now Partey has become the second Arsenal player to turn down a call-up to the national team.

The Ghana international has declined a call-up for the upcoming international break.

Journalist Charles Watts claims that the 30-year-old requested to be left off the team so he could concentrate on becoming fit again after just getting back from an injury.

Partey was first left out of Ghana’s team because of persistent fitness problems; the Ghanaian Football Association contacted Arsenal late to inquire about Partey’s availability.

It has been decided, nonetheless, that Partey would be better served concentrating on getting well in London before Arsenal’s vital Premier League match against Manchester City on March 31.

Partey has come back recently from an injury for Arsenal

Partey played for Arsenal against Brentford and Sheffield United after returning from a four-month absence due to a hamstring injury.

Even after he got back, maintaining his fitness is still important, and setbacks must be avoided with cautious supervision.

The Ghanaian FA said that Partey has “asked to be excused to gain full fitness following recent injuries,” confirming his decision.

This choice comes after his injury-related withdrawal from the Africa Cup of Nations earlier this year.