Arsenal star set to be sidelined into 2021 as new report worsens injury fears

Thomas Partey, Gabriel Magalhaes

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will reportedly not return before the end of 2020 after new details emerged about the seriousness of his injury.

The Ghana international has not played since coming off at half time against Aston Villa early in November.

The Gunners subsequently sent the 27-year-old for a scan, which revealed his thigh injury. Furthermore, manager Mikel Arteta described it as a “significant” issue.

According to Football Ghana, however, Partey’s injury is worse than Arsenal first feared.

The north London club had hoped that the midfielder would recover in time for a return from the November international break, with the injury coming just before the domestic hiatus.

However, with Partey still not in training, he will now reportedly be out for the rest of the year.

In his first assessment of the problem, Arteta admitted that the player had felt his thigh early on against Villa.

Indeed, the problem arose after “seven or eight minutes” but Partey decided to play on until half time. However, Football Ghana‘s report does not say whether this was an aggravating factor in his lay-off.

 

 

Meanwhile, Arsenal’s latest injury update (via Arsenal.com) reports that Partey is “progressing with his rehabilitation ahead of returning to full training”.

Partey had impressed in his five appearances for the Gunners before his injury lay-off. Since his exit from the team, though, Arsenal’s form has continued to drop off.

While he played a part in the defeats to Manchester City, Leicester and Villa, Arteta’s men have still yet to pick up a Premier League win in his absence.

Arsenal followed up a 0-0 draw with Leeds with a 2-1 home defeat to Wolves last Sunday.

Arteta reveals January unpredictability

Mikel Arteta

Partey was one of three marquee signings Arsenal made in the recent transfer window.

Ahead of the upcoming January market, however, Arteta has admitted that his club are in an unpredictable situation.

One particular concern for the Gunners is midfield, where they currently lack a creative spark.

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