Ghana are readying for the worst in their hopes to have star midfielder Thomas Partey for the 2023 Afcon.

The Arsenal midfielder underwent a specialist procedure for treatment of his thigh injury last month and was ruled out for the rest of the year, thus placing any involvement at AFCON 2023 in serious doubt.

The tournament will take place in Ivory Coast from January 13 and conclude on February 11.

Black Stars coach Chris Houghton told BBC Africa: “We are all very much aware of the quality of player that he is. Unfortunately for us, he is injured at this period of time.

“We are very hopeful that he will be fit and back playing and in good form by the time that we get to AFCON but at this very moment we don’t know.”