Mikel Arteta confirms latest injury blow for Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey

 

Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Thomas Partey will miss the "next few matches" for Arsenal after aggravating his thigh injury during the 2-0 north London derby defeat to Tottenham last Sunday.

Partey made his first start since November 8 but had to be substituted at half-time having tried to limp off the pitch during the build-up to Spurs’ second goal.

Speaking ahead of Arsenal’s Europa League tie against Dundalk on Thursday night, Arteta insisted the appropriate checks were made before he was named in the team.

It’s unclear of the exact timeline for his second absence from the squad, with Partey undergoing a scan on Tuesday, but the 27-year-old will definitely miss Sunday’s visit of Burnley.

Beyond that, Arsenal take on Southampton at home next Wednesday followed by a trip to Everton and the visit of Manchester City in the League Cup, before the Boxing Day clash against Chelsea; a group of challenging fixtures which could either alleviate or drastically increase the pressure on the head coach following a poor run of results.

"He got injured in the same area, not exactly the same spot but the same area as before," Arteta said. "He will miss the next few matches.