09 November 2023 , 18:00
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Thomas Partey has delivered a major new injury blow for Arsenal.
Partey has undergone a specialist procedure for treatment on a thigh injury and is now set to miss the rest of 2023. That is a huge setback for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta who is still uncertain of Partey’s exact return date and that may tempt him to move into the market for midfield cover.
Partey, 30, has been wearing a leg brace to try and bolster his recovery but the latest setback means his absence will be even longer than first expected. There is also the added complication of the Africa Cup of Nations in January because Ghana will want him to report up but his participation looks in serious doubt.
Partey has managed to start just three Premier League games this season because of injury issues and has already missed a chunk of the campaign because of a groin problem. But almost as soon as Partey was fit again and in contention, the powerful midfielder then broke down in training before last month’s Champions League trip to Sevilla.
Arteta admitted then that Partey would be out for “weeks” but, after seeing specialists, the lay-off has been even worse. Partey was linked with a move away last summer with Juventus interested and Saudi clubs were also keen on the former Atletico Madrid midfielder.
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However, Arsenal did not receive a concrete bid for the player and therefore he stayed at the Emirates which meant the club were not able to pursue another midfielder to bolster the squad. Arteta has been short of midfield options without him this term and Jorginho has been a regular in recent games to partner Declan Rice but they would be keen to have another anchor man.
Thomas Partey is expected to be out until 2024 (David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)Have your say! Should Arsenal sell Thomas Partey and buy a new midfielder? Give us your stance in the comments section.
Arsenal hope to have Bukayo Saka fit to face Burnley on Saturday while Martin Odegaard is likely to miss international duty with Norway. The Gunners are looking to get back on track in domestic football following consecutive defeats.
Arteta’s side crashed out of the Carabao Cup to West Ham last Wednesday before suffering a controversial 1-0 loss away to Newcastle on Saturday. Arsenal remain three points behind Premier League leaders Manchester City after 11 games.