Ghana are set to be without Thomas Partey for back-to-back 2021 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers this month.

According to reports, the Arsenal midfielder will remain in London and will not travel to Ghana during the international break as he recovers from a thigh injury sustained in the club’s 3-0 loss at home to Aston Villa in the Premier League on Sunday.

Partey had to be substituted at half-time and Gunners boss Mikel Arteta revealed in the aftermath that the 27-year-old would go for a scan to learn the extent of his injury.

“We don’t know [the extent] of it,” Arteta said. “We have to scan him tomorrow or the day after and see what he felt straight away. Let’s wait and see what the magnitude of the injury is.

“I don’t know [if he will go away with Ghana now]. As I said, the doctor will have to have a look at him and probably scan him. Then we will decide what to do with him.”

The Black Stars will host Sudan in Ghana on Thursday before travelling to Khartoum for the reverse fixture, scheduled to take place next Tuesday.

Ghana currently top Group C, three points clear of second placed South Africa who will host São Tomé and Príncipe for both of their meetings this month.

Partey has made five appearances for Arsenal across all competitions since his deadline day move to Emirates Stadium from Atletico Madrid in October.