Arteta comments suggest 22-year-old who’s ‘really impressed’ Wilshere will start for Arsenal v Brighton – TBR View

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Arsenal have found themselves without two key players for their final nine games of the season.

Earlier this week, Kieran Tierney underwent surgery for a knee injury and he’s unlikely to be back until next season.

Now, Mikel Arteta has revealed at his press conference that Thomas Partey has a “significant” thigh injury.

Asked if Partey could play again this campaign, Arteta told Metro: “It could be but it could not be the case.

“Because it is an area where he had a previous injury as well and he felt it straight away and he is not fit.”

Arteta has also backed Albert Sambi Lokonga to take his chance in the Arsenal team.

“He played quite a lot in the first part of the season,” said the Spaniard.

“But when you have months away because you don’t have European football it’s more difficult to share the minutes because the minutes are less.

“It’s a great opportunity for them to show what they can do.”

Arteta’s comments suggest he could draft Lokonga into the starting XI as early as tomorrow against Brighton.

The 22-year-old joined Arsenal from Anderlecht last summer for a reported £17.2million.

He has already made 20 appearances for the Gunners this season, including 15 in the Premier League.

Lokonga is very much an understudy to Partey, a ball-carrying, progressive and physical midfielder.

And though he may be somewhat inexperienced in the Premier League, he’s got 78 Anderlecht appearances to his name and even captained them.

“Quality baller”

Jack Wilshere, speaking to Sky Sports in October, loved how the Belgium international performed in training.

“They’ve brought in Lokonga, who’s young,” he said.

“I’ve been really impressed with him since watching and training with him this week.”

Yannick Bolasie also sung Lokonga’s praises when the 22-year-old arrived at Arsenal.

It’ll be exciting to see Lokonga potentially get an extended run in the team and show everyone what he can do.