Thomas Partey has described missing Ghana's FIFA World Cup opener against Panama due to ongoing criminal proceedings in the UK as "just part of football."

The former Arsenal midfielder was refused entry into Canada after incorrectly declaring on his visa application that he had never been arrested or charged with a criminal offense.

Following an appeal, Justice Roger Lafrenière ruled against overturning the immigration officials' original decision in an Ottawa courtroom last week, as per The Mirror.

The 33-year-old is scheduled to stand trial next year, having pleaded not guilty to seven charges of rape and one count of sexual assault between 2020 and 2022.

Ahead of Ghana's game against England, Partey addressed his absence in Toronto: "Well, I think it's part of football, things happen in football that you cannot control."

"For me now, I feel ready to play. I'm okay, I'm feeling good. We've been training good and everybody is ready, we are here to try our best and compete with the rest of the teams and I think preparation is key."

England's players are anticipated to shake hands with Partey, who encountered no difficulties securing an American visa.

Declan Rice is poised to go head-to-head with his former Gunners teammate in midfield, and Partey, widely expected to depart Villarreal on a free transfer this summer, is embracing the prospect.

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On facing Rice, Partey commented: "I know it's not going to be easy, they are very good players and I'm happy to play against him again.

"I'm really happy to see them [old Arsenal teammates]. I hope they're going to bring their best and try to give ourselves the opportunity to play against the best, try to compete and enjoy the game."

When pressed on whether his familiarity with English soccer could aid Ghana's bid to pull off an upset, Partey noted: "Well, I think I'm not the only one who played there.

"There are still players who are playing there and I think it's about the team and collective play. We have to, you know, work on our way of playing and try to compete with them. I think the emotions in camp are really good from our first game, everybody is here to enjoy.

"We are going to this game, we know we have to compete with the best players and that's why we are here, to compete with the best players and also to learn."

Source: Alloutsoccer.com