Mikel Arteta comments on Arsenal star Thomas Partey’s injury

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Mikel Arteta has told his post-match press conference following a defeat to Wolves – as per Goal – that Arsenal summer signing Thomas Partey will be sidelined for longer than expected, and will miss the north London derby.

Partey, 27, was substituted at half-time during the 3-0 loss to Aston Villa and has not featured since – missing matches against Leeds United, Molde and Wolves on Sunday, which the Gunners lost 2-1. The pressure is on.

However, Arteta delivered a shattering blow ahead of next week’s matches against Rapid Wien in the Europa League and then north London rivals Tottenham on Sunday – by stating that Partey’s injury is worse than first feared.

Indeed, the ex-Atletico Madrid star is expected to miss the next few games – with the thigh injury seeing Partey joining David Luiz, Pablo Mari, Sead Kolasinac, Calum Chambers and Gabriel Martinelli in the treatment room.

“I don’t think he will be with us in the next few games,” Arteta said, as per Goal. “We have been missing a lot of players. We have many, many different issues, but I don’t like to use that excuse.”

TBR’s view – Arsenal form and Partey absence no coincidence

Partey has already shown in his early Arsenal career that he is clearly pivotal to everything good the Gunners do. The last time Arsenal won a Premier League match saw the African ace shine in the middle of the park.

The Gunners are struggling and with a clash against high-flying Spurs next time out, it looks as though Arteta may have to continue waiting before a win comes along. Getting Partey is absolutely crucial.