Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has resumed training after recovering from the injury that has kept him out of action since August, providing a boost for the Black Stars ahead of their upcoming 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The 33-year-old has stepped up his rehabilitation by taking part in intensive training sessions under the supervision of Al Shabab’s fitness coach.
Partey sustained the injury during Al Shabab’s match against Al Riyadh in August and has been undergoing recovery work since then.
His return to training comes with Ghana preparing for two Africa Cup of Nations qualifying fixtures later this month.
The Black Stars are scheduled to face Côte d’Ivoire on 24 September before meeting The Gambia three days later on 27 September.
Partey’s return gives him an opportunity to regain his fitness and put himself in contention for selection as Ghana prepare for the two matches.
Ghana coach Carlos Queiroz is expected to “soon submit” his squad for the qualifiers, meaning Partey’s progress will come at a significant point in the build-up to the games.
The midfielder has been sidelined since suffering the injury in August, but his return to intensive training indicates that he is now moving forward with his recovery.
Partey has been working under the guidance of Al Shabab’s fitness staff as he seeks to return to full competitive condition.
The timing of his comeback is particularly important for the Black Stars because their qualifying schedule will see them play twice within three days.
Ghana will first take on Côte d’Ivoire on 24 September, followed by the meeting with The Gambia on 27 September.
With Queiroz preparing to finalise his squad, Partey will now have the chance to demonstrate his fitness before the selection is made.
The midfielder’s return to training does not itself confirm his inclusion in Ghana’s squad, but it gives him the opportunity to work his way back into contention after his injury absence.
Partey suffered the setback while playing for Al Shabab against Al Riyadh in August and has spent the subsequent period concentrating on his recovery.
He has now resumed intensive work with the club’s fitness coach, marking the latest stage of his rehabilitation.
For Ghana, the development comes as preparations intensify for the upcoming AFCON qualifiers. The Black Stars will have to negotiate two fixtures in quick succession, beginning with the Côte d’Ivoire match on 24 September and continuing with the encounter against The Gambia on 27 September.
Queiroz is expected to “soon submit” his squad for those matches, with Partey’s return to training giving the midfielder a chance to be considered after his spell on the sidelines.
The 33-year-old will now continue working towards full fitness as Ghana’s preparations for the qualifiers gather pace.
His immediate priority will be to build on his return to training and regain the condition required for competitive football, while the Black Stars await the announcement of Queiroz’s squad for the two September fixtures.
