Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey was conspicuously missing as coach Otto Addo named Ghana's squad list of players invited for the AFCON 2025 Qualifiers against Angola and Niger.

Thursday's announcement means Thomas Partey will miss four of the six qualifying matches for the tournament, having missed last month's double header against Sudan.

Speaking at Thursday's press conference, Ghana coach Otto Addo explained Partey's absence.

''I had a confidential talk with Thomas. Like you know, I'm a coach who always likes to protect the players, so I hope for your understanding. For me, the team is like family, and I’m not coming out with internal issues.''

Otto Addo also clarified that Partey was willing come down for the international assignment, but he (Otto Addo) asked the Arsenal midfielder not to make the trip.

''First, he wanted to come, but I made it clear why he's not coming. Like I said, it’s confidential, and it’s difficult for me to mention all the details. It’s like that, and we have to move on.'' he concluded.

Ghana will be captained by Jordan Ayew in Partey's absence.

The Black Stars will face Angola on November 15 in Luanda, before facing Niger three days later, in Accra.

Ghana is currently third in Group F, scoring two points out of four games.