Mikel Arteta confirms Thomas Partey injury blow ahead of Sheffield clash

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to be out for a few weeks following a muscle injury earlier this week.

The Ghana international was anticipated to face Sevilla in the Champions League on Tuesday night, but he was not in the matchday squad due to the setback.

Speaking in today’s press conference, Arteta revealed that Partey sustained a muscular problem with the last kick of the ball in training prior to the Sevilla game.

The Spanish tactician added that the club don’t know the extent of the injury but he is expected to be out of action for a few weeks at least. He will have more scans today.

He said live on Arsenal.com: “He’s got a muscle injury and we expect him to be out for a few weeks. We don’t know the extent of it, he has more scans today. He got in training with the last kick of the ball.”

Partey’s injury is a blow for the Gunners

Partey was an undisputed starter at the beginning of the campaign but he picked up a groin injury in the lead-up to the Manchester United game. He only made his comeback versus Manchester City.

After sitting out the Chelsea draw, it was anticipated that he could return to the XI in Seville, but has unfortunately suffered another injury which will keep him on the sidelines for a while.

The news is a huge blow for the Gunners going forward. Declan Rice has recently played in a creative central midfield role with Jorginho asked to operate from the number six position.

The Italian has been good with his distribution as always but he has been prone to losing possession in unexpected situations. This is something which Partey rarely does in the same role.

It remains to be seen how long the €35 million-rated star will be sidelined. Arsenal can’t afford him to be out of action for several months. It could urge them to spend on another defensive midfielder.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com