Ghana international Thomas Partey has been granted special leave by Saudi Pro League club Al Shabab following the death of his father, Jacob Partey.
Partey is understood to have travelled to Ghana to be with his family after his father died last week following a short illness.
Al Shabab expressed its condolences to the midfielder and his family and offered its support during their period of mourning.
The club also wished Partey and his relatives strength and patience as they deal with the loss.
Partey joined Al Shabab on 12 August, moving to the Riyadh-based side as the club looked to add experience and strength to its midfield options.
The Ghanaian arrived in Saudi Arabia with a substantial background in European football, having spent important periods of his career with Spanish side Atltico Madrid and English club Arsenal.
His career began in Spain, where he developed as a senior player before also spending time with Villarreal. He subsequently established himself at Atltico Madrid, where he gained experience at the highest level of European football.
Partey later moved to Arsenal before returning to Villarreal last season.
During his most recent campaign with Villarreal, the midfielder made 32 appearances across all competitions. He did not score a goal or register an assist during that spell.
His move to Al Shabab marked the beginning of another chapter in his career, with the Saudi club looking to make use of his experience as it competes in the new Saudi Pro League season.
Partey’s arrival was expected to provide the team with additional qualities in midfield, including technical ability and physical strength, alongside the experience he has gained from playing in some of Europe’s major leagues.
For now, however, the 33-year-old’s immediate priority is with his family in Ghana following the death of his father.
Al Shabab have allowed the midfielder time away from the club so that he can attend to family responsibilities and take part in arrangements following the bereavement.
The club is expected to welcome Partey back once he has completed his time with his family in Ghana.
His return will allow him to resume his involvement with Al Shabab as the Saudi Pro League season continues.
The midfielder’s absence comes shortly after his move to the Riyadh-based club, which signed him on 12 August as part of its efforts to strengthen its squad.
Partey remains an experienced figure for both club and country, having built a career that has included spells with Villarreal, Atltico Madrid and Arsenal.
His experience at the top level is expected to remain important to Al Shabab as the club competes in the new league season.
For the moment, the club has given its support to its Ghanaian midfielder as he mourns his father, with Partey expected to return to Saudi Arabia after attending to matters with his family in Ghana.
