Arsenal were handed an injury blow as it emerged that midfielder Thomas Partey had picked up an injury, and Mikel Arteta has now spoken about the situation.
Partey’s injury was kept under wraps until Arsenal’s game against Manchester United yesterday, where he was absent from the squad with a groin injury.
The 30-year-old had started every game this season prior to his injury, as both a defensive midfielder and an inverted full-back, and if he is set to be absent long-term, it would be a huge blow for Arsenal.
Speaking after the victory over Man United, Arteta hinted that Partey could be out for some time.
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“I don’t know, unfortunately he got an injury in training and it doesn’t look good, we need some more tests, we believe he’s going to be out for weeks,” he stated.
“We think it’s a groin but can be something in between.”
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Light at the back
Although Arsenal are now well stocked in midfield with Declan Rice and Jorginho able to play in Partey’s midfield role, Arteta had seemingly earmarked the Ghana international as an additional option in defence.
With Jurrien Timber set to miss most of the season, Arsenal’s defensive depth is weaker than it was last season, and Partey may have been counted on as an option in the back four.
Partey, who was described as “brilliant” by Yaya Toure last season, had been lining up as a right-back, and he may have arguably been the main alternative option to Ben White in the position, with Takehiro Tomiyasu exclusively appearing as a left-back this season so far.
Arsenal now have just six senior defensive options available across the four positions whilst Partey is out, and with Champions League fixtures set to begin soon, they will be hoping that Partey returns quickly.