Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has voiced his concern regarding the persistent injury troubles of midfielder Thomas Partey.
The 30-year-old Ghanaian midfielder has been an integral part of Arsenal’s midfield but is sidelined again after missing their last two matches due to a troublesome muscle injury.
This is the second injury Partey has sustained this season, as a groin strain earlier in the campaign forced him out of action for six weeks between September and October.
Speaking to reporters in his press conference ahead of the League Cup clash with West Ham United, Arteta said (via Arsenal’s official website): “I think he (Partey) will be out for weeks – I don’t know how long, but he’s got another appointment today, and we will see more after that.
“It (his injury record) is a big concern because when Thomas is fit and available, he’s been part of the team. We’ve seen the results and the impact that he had.”
Arteta acknowledged that Arsenal had taken measures to protect against such injuries, given the impact the midfielder had on the team.
“We had to address that, and now it has happened,” Arteta added. “It can happen in football, and I’m so sorry for him because I think he is doing every single thing he can do right to be there.
“He was gutted, and we are for him, but he needs to lift himself up again with our support because he’s a player that is critical for us.”
Partey’s injury woes have been a persistent concern since his transfer to Arsenal from Atletico Madrid in October 2020, with the midfielder often spending considerable time on the sidelines.
Arsenal face a challenging League Cup tie against West Ham and a barrage of matches heading into the festive season.
Arteta and the team must navigate this latest setback and hope for Partey’s swift recovery to bolster their midfield strength again.
