Carlos Queiroz has thrown his weight behind Thomas Partey, insisting the Arsenal midfielder remains central to Ghana's plans for the World Cup despite mounting scrutiny over his fitness and form. The Portuguese coach, speaking at a pre-tournament press conference in Abu Dhabi, dismissed suggestions that selecting Partey represented a risk to the Black Stars' campaign.
Queiroz Backs His Man
The Ghanaian manager confirmed Partey would start in their opening Group H fixture, stating the 31-year-old had completed full training sessions throughout the week. Queiroz took over the Ghana role in September 2024, inheriting a squad struggling to find consistency ahead of the tournament.
"Thomas is a world-class player and I have no doubts about his commitment," Queiroz told reporters. "We selected him based on what we see every day in training. The players know what is required."
Fitness Questions Linger
Partey has struggled with injuries throughout the 2023-24 club season, making only 14 Premier League appearances for Arsenal. His last start came in March before a muscle complaint kept him sidelined for six weeks. The midfielder returned for Arsenal's final league match but was substituted at halftime.
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta expressed caution about Partey's readiness, telling British media the player required careful management. Ghana's medical staff have reportedly submitted fitness reports to FIFA confirming Partey passed all baseline assessments required for tournament registration.
Stakes Could Not Be Higher
Ghana face Portugal in their opening match on November 24 in Doha. The Black Stars also draw South Korea and Uruguay in Group H, a collection of opponents that former players have described as the tournament's most demanding group. The three-time African champions have reached the knockout stages only once since their 2014 quarter-final appearance.
The pressure on Queiroz to deliver results stems partly from the Ghana Football Association's substantial investment in the national team programme. Officials allocated significant resources to preparations, including a training camp in the United Arab Emirates designed to acclimatise players to Gulf conditions.
Regional Rivalry Intensifies
For Nigerian football fans, Ghana's World Cup performance carries particular interest given the fierce sporting rivalry between both nations. Should the Black Stars advance past the group stage, they could face Nigeria's Super Eagles if both teams progress through their respective groups and meet in the round of 16.
The prospect of an all-West African knockout clash has already generated discussion among supporters across the region. Nigeria open their campaign against Argentina on November 21 in Riyadh, with coach José Mourinho overseeing preparations in a centralised training base.
Partey's Redemption Quest
For Partey, the tournament represents an opportunity to silence critics who have questioned his consistency on the international stage. The midfielder scored Ghana's opening goal in 2022 World Cup qualifiers against Nigeria but has since endured criticism for performances in friendly matches against lesser-ranked opponents.
His relationship with Ghanaian supporters has tested nerves at various points, with social media debates intensifying after the team's underwhelming friendly results in October. Partey has not scored for Ghana in over 18 months, a drought that some analysts attribute to his changing role under different coaching regimes.
What Comes Next
Ghana depart for Doha on November 19, with Queiroz scheduled to hold a final pre-departure briefing in Accra. The team will conduct one open training session before departing, offering supporters a final glimpse of the squad.
Fans will watch closely when Ghana's squad list is formally submitted to FIFA on November 18, the deadline for all participating nations to confirm their 26-man rosters. Should any fitness concerns arise before that point, Queiroz must decide whether to maintain faith in his senior midfielder or call for a replacement.
