Thomas Partey will not be in the stadium when Ghana kicks off their World Cup campaign against Panama in Toronto. The Arsenal midfielder has been denied entry into Canada, ruling him out of the team's opening match.
Ghana will have to find a way to set the tone of their tournament without one of their most experienced players in the middle of the park. Partey's absence leaves a visible gap in a squad that leans on his composure and reading of the game.
No further details have been confirmed about the reasons behind the visa or entry issue. What happens next for his participation in the rest of the tournament remains to be seen.
Originally published by BBC Africa.