Ghana coach Chris Hughton has left Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey out of his Africa Cup of Nations squad.

Hughton admits Partey's thigh injury is too "substantial" to risk in the tournament.

Announcing his 27-man squad, Hughton explained: “Thomas Partey for sure, and I say this not in a detrimental way to the squad that we have, but he is one of our most important players.

“This we know and, withstanding his injury, he certainly would be in the squad. We know the quality of player that he is. This is a player that has a substantial injury.

Read More on Arsenal

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

“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."