Arsenal and Ghana have decided to exercise caution with Thomas Partey’s return from injury by deciding he will not play in the Africa Cup of Nations.

Partey has not played since October due to a thigh injury, but he had hoped to feature for his country this month.

The midfielder was named in Ghana’s 55-man provisional squad last week and has been pushing to return for Arsenal over the festive period.

But Partey has been left out of the final Black Stars squad for AFCON after talks between Arsenal and the Ghanaian FA.

Ghana boss Chris Hughton has kept in contact with Arsenal throughout Partey’s injury.

Arsenal have slipped to fourth in the Premier League after back-to-back defeats and when Partey does return he will provide a much-needed boost.

“I’ve spent a lot of time over this period with Thomas and also engaging with the medical staff at Arsenal Football Club,” said Hughton.

“They will treat this injury with caution, and so will the player. This is a big injury for him and the biggest injury that he’s had.

“The most important thing for me as head coach and our association is to give him the support that he needs through this period of time.

“From all the information that we’ve been given, the timelines of his recovery and the caution that will be taken, will not meet our timelines for the AFCON.”