Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has suggested that key midfielder Thomas Partey could miss another week of action with a back injury picked up ahead of the clash with Manchester City, placing further pressure on Jorginho in the heart of the Gunners’ midfield.
The north London side were rocked by the news ahead of Wednesday’s clash, with Partey picking up an injury on Tuesday which saw him miss the 3-1 defeat at the Emirates Stadium, which in turn saw Arsenal usurped from the top of the Premier League table by Manchester City.
But he was expected to be back against Aston Villa, with Arteta confirming after the defeat that Partey felt something in his back and was therefore unable to be a part of the squad.
However, when the squad was named for the trip to Villa Park, his absence was once again notable, with January addition Jorginho asked to fill in, though there was a boost with Emile Smith Rowe restored to the substitutes bench.
And, when quizzed about Partey, Arteta gave a worrying update.
“He’s not fit. He didn’t even train with us yesterday. He probably needs another week.”, the Arsenal boss explained to the media ahead of the game.
A win against Villa Park is a must, with Manchester City heading to midtable Nottingham Forest later in the day as they look to remain ahead of the Gunners and lift their third consecutive title.
