‘Partey’s injury record concerning’ – Arteta 

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has admitted that Thomas Partey’s injury record is a major concern, as the midfielder is expected to be sidelined for six weeks due to a muscular strain.

Partey (30) suffered the injury during training ahead of the club’s Champions League clash with Sevilla.

Media reports suggest that the player may be sidelined until December. This muscular problem marks Partey’s ninth injury since he joined the club in 2020 from Atletico Madrid.

Partey missed only four games during Arsenal’s title charge in the past campaign, finishing second behind champions Manchester City. Arteta didn’t hold back when discussing Partey’s fitness record.

“He is a significant concern because when Thomas is fit and available, and he’s part of the team, we’ve seen the results and the impact he has on the team. This season, we’ve focused more on protection, especially for that reason, considering what has happened in the past two seasons and the impact it had on the team, so we had to address that.

“Now it’s happened, and these things happen in football. I’m sorry for him because I believe he’s doing everything right to be there, and he was devastated. We are all behind him, and he needs to lift himself up with our support and get back out there because he’s a critical player for us.

“I think he will be out for weeks; I don’t know how long, but he has another appointment today, and we will know more after that.”

Arteta sounded more optimistic about the return of Gabriel Jesus, who injured his hamstring against Sevilla. With Jesus expected to miss several weeks, Arteta is positive since the Brazilian returned from a knee injury ahead of schedule this season.

“With him, I won’t provide any specific timeframe because I did it once, and I got it completely wrong.”

“We need to be cautious because we need to treat him in the right way but he is already pushing everybody, he wants to be back as quickly as possible and we need him so that is great.”

Arteta was forced to pair Declan Rice with Emile-Smith Rowe at mifldfield over the weekend.

The gaffer admits he may be forced to field Rice on Wednesday’s Carabao Cup fourth-round match at West Ham United.

“He can be involved [tomorrow], it would be his first time back there at his old club and a beautiful moment for him. I think its beautiful, I had the experience to do it a few times and then you really see what they think of you and what you left at that club.

“It’s really good way to measure your experience and the reality of your reality with the people who shared those moments with you.”