Prior to January, the 23-year-old had only featured in eight matches, completing two of those and racking up just 248 minutes this season in the process.

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But the Ghana international, who is set to deputise for the suspended Gabi, could turn the tie on its head with Diego Simeone opting to recall the playmaker thanks to his form in Gabon.

"We need him (Partey), he had a very good Africa Cup of Nations and so he could be a good option against Barcelona," Simeone said.

Partey proved to be key to his nation's run into the semi-finals of the competition, playing 446 minutes in just 18 days of competition.