Arsenal star Thomas Partey could be out until January with muscle injury

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey could be out of action until the New Year with a muscle injury, according to Daily Mirror.

The Ghanaian was a regular starter for the Gunners at the beginning of the campaign. Manager Mikel Arteta played him as an inverted right-back during the first three games of the season.

However, he was absent for the next six games with a groin injury. Partey returned to the squad in early October, but the €35 million-rated star is back on the sidelines with a fresh muscle problem.

Arteta recently said that the midfielder will be sidelined for a ‘few weeks’ but Daily Mirror claim that the injury is more serious than predicted and he could be ruled out for the rest of the year.

Partey’s absence is a huge blow for Arsenal

Arsenal’s fixture list does not look daunting over the next couple of months, but with the congested festive schedule, there is always the risk of potential injuries along the way.

Despite Partey’s setback, the club currently have Declan Rice, Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny for the number six role. They are in a much better position than last season.

However, the fans would have ideally preferred Partey to stay fit. Rice has impressed from his creative role, but Jorginho does not provide the same defensive assurance as Partey.

The Italian has been good with his distribution and ball control from the centre of the park, but he lacks the recovery pace which Partey offers from the holding midfield spot.

Hence, Partey’s absence is a huge blow for the club. Rice could be asked to play in his customary defensive midfield role in games where Jorginho does not suit Arsenal.

Stats from Transfermarkt.com