Ghana boss Otto Addo has now explained his decision to snub Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey ahead of the side's upcoming 2025 African Cup of Nations qualifiers.
The 51-time international will miss the side's upcoming fixtures against Angola and Niger, with Leicester City's Jordan Ayew set to wear the captain's armband in his absence.
Read: Controversial Mourinho banned, slapped with R450k fine
Speaking ahead of the Group F encounters, the manager revealed that he had "a confidential talk with Thomas."
"I am a coach who always likes to protect the players, so I hope for your understanding," he added per the Mirror.
Addo refused to disclose the reason for Partey's exclusion, but hinted that the door remains open for the 31-year-old's return.
"For me, the team is like family, I am not coming out with internal issues - but I made it quite clear to him. He wanted to come, but I made it quite clear why he is not coming."
Addo continued, "Like I said, it's confidential. It is difficult for me to mention all the things. It's like that. We have to move on. Now, as you know, Thomas is not coming and it's not a permanent thing, so we are always open for him to return."
The Ghana coach expressed optimism about Partey's potential return, saying, "I hope that the things we talked about, he will do better in that, and that he will join the team maybe in the next window in March.
"I think he had a good perspective. We had a good talk and we are on good terms."
Despite his international setback, Partey has enjoyed a strong start to the season with his London club, making 15 appearances in all competitions and establishing himself as an important player for manager Mikel Arteta.
Read: Neymar set to become a free agent?
The Black Stars, meanwhile, could miss out on a spot in the continental showpiece set to be hosted in Morocco next year as they find themselves languishing in third place in Group F, with just two fixtures remaining.
The side have managed to pick up just two points from a possible twelve, and are five points behind second-placed Sudan and 10 behind leaders Angola going into to the last round of qualification.
By Junaid Benjamin
Follow him here on X