Thomas Partey resumes training with Al Shabab teammates ahead of Ghana's AFCON qualifiers

Ghana midfielder Thomas Partey has returned to training with Saudi Pro League side Al Shabab after recovering from an injury that has kept him out since August.

The 33-year-old suffered the injury during Al Shabab's league match against Al Riyadh last month and has been undergoing rehabilitation since then.

Partey has now stepped up his recovery, taking part in intensive training sessions under the supervision of Al Shabab's fitness coach.

His return will be welcomed by Ghana, although it remains unclear whether he will be fit enough to feature when Al Shabab face Al-Ittihad later on Wednesday.

Partey's recovery also comes at an important time for the Black Stars, who are preparing for their opening two matches in the 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Ghana are scheduled to travel to face Côte d'Ivoire on 24 September before hosting The Gambia three days later on 27 September.

The Black Stars will be hoping to make a strong start to the qualifying campaign after missing out on the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations in Morocco.

Partey's return to full training is therefore a significant boost as head coach Carlos Queiroz prepares to name his squad for the two qualifiers.

The experienced midfielder is expected to be included in Ghana's squad, provided he suffers no setback in his recovery.

Partey remains an important figure in Ghana's midfield, and his availability would add experience to a squad preparing for two demanding fixtures at the start of the qualifying campaign.