05 January 2024 , 15:14
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has issued disappointinh updates regarding the fitness of both Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber ahead of Sunday night's FA Cup showdown against Liverpool.
Both of the Gunners stars have been sidelined for quite some time, with Timber only playing 47 minutes of competitive action on the opening day before sustaining an anterior cruciate ligament injury. As for Partey, the often crocked midfielder hasn't been seen since October and it looks like neither will be donning an Arsenal shirt any time soon.
Speaking before the meeting with Jurgen Klopp's side in the FA Cup third round, Arteta was asked about Timber's recovery amid rumours he could be back on the pitch as early as late January. The Gunners manager quickly quashed such speculation, insisting there is still some way to go.
"Unfortunately that’s a very long term injury," Arteta explained. "He’s doing really well but he’s still far from being fit to train. We don’t expect him any time soon."
It was similarly disappointing news for the Emirates faithful regarding Partey, as Arteta discussed why the midfielder was not selected for Ghana's Africa Cup of Nations squad. Some had hoped the former Atletico Madrid man would be ready to return for this face-off with Liverpool, but it has come too soon.
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"It was about common sense," the Gunners boss added. "He had a long term injury. He really wanted to be with his national team but he’s still far from training for the team and it didn’t make sense for him to be involved."
HAVE YOUR SAY! Will Partey and Timber return in time for the end of the season? Comment below
Jurrien Timber has not been seen in action since the opening day after an ACL injury (PA)Arsenal are in the midst of their worst form of the season, having lost their last two league games against West Ham and Fulham respectively. The defeats have dented the club's title ambitions, with the Gunners now fourth in the table, five points off of top spot.
A victory over Liverpool would ensure their hopes of another FA Cup triumph remain alive and Arteta is likely to name the strongest line-up possible. The Arsenal boss is one of the few figures to have won the competition as both a player and a manager and will be aiming to get his hands on it once again in May.
Standing in his way is a side that Arsenal met at Anfield just under a fortnight ago, in what was a thrilling 1-1 draw. With the Reds missing Mohamed Salah due to AFCON, Arteta will be fancying his chances of getting one over on Klopp.