Mikel Arteta has provided the latest on the fitness of Thomas Partey in his pre-match press conference ahead of Everton vs Arsenal. The Ghanaian was forced off at half time during last week's FA Cup clash with Manchester City after suffering a blow to the ribs.
“Yeah, he had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse," Arteta said of Partey's injury after the match. "He could not continue and he was not comfortable to continue. No initial diagnosis. Tomorrow, or the day after, it will have to be an MRI scan and we’ll see what he has.”
Initial prognosis on the injury suggested that it may not be as significant as first thought after the Ghanaian was able to walk away from the Etihad Stadium without any further discomfort. And now Arteta has given the last on Partey's chances of being fit for the trip to Goodison Park on Saturday.
READ MORE: Brighton relationship damage after Moises Caicedo, Flo Balogun future, Jorginho transfer verdict
"Let’s see, that one is still a doubt," Arteta said on Partey. "Let’s see how he comes in today and if he’s able to train or not. We will make a decision on that.
"He’s not ruled out and it’s nothing very significant, but it was significant enough to get him out of the game which for Thomas is a bit unusual but hopefully he’ll be fine."
Arsenal's trip to Everton could see new signing Jorginho in line to make his first appearance in a Gunners shirt. The Italian international was signed dramatically from Chelsea on transfer deadline on Tuesday after Arsenal missed out main target Moises Caicedo from Brighton.
The Gunners had submitted two bids for the Ecuador international, but found themselves firmly rebuffed by Brighton who were insistent that they did not want to sell. Having finally accepted that they pivoted to Jorginho at the last hour and were able to secure a £12million deal for the 31-year-old with hours to spare of the January transfer window.
"We knew that in this market you have to adapt and be flexible and ready for inconvenience," Arteta said of Jorginho's late arrival. "We had a big one with Mo’s injury and we needed a player in that position. It’s a player that I’ve always admired. He’s a great character who’ll bring leadership and quality in that position and he’s gonna help us a lot."
New signing Jakub Kiwior could also make his first appearance in an Arsenal shirt. Reiss Nelson meanwhile is back in training following his hamstring problem. Arteta went on to confirm that Emile Smith Rowe will not be ready for the Everton clash after a thigh strain kept him out of the defeat to Manchester City. Mohamed Elneny could miss the rest of the season with a knee problem meanwhile, and Gabriel Jesus is set to be out for a few more weeks with a knee injury of his own.
Is Jorginho in your starting XI? Have your say
READ NEXT:
Mikel Arteta has already confirmed Arsenal plan for Folarin Balogun as starlet topples Mbappe
Jorginho on standby to replace Thomas Partey with Arsenal stars handed recalls vs Everton
What Oleksandr Zinchenko did to Jorginho after Arsenal completed £12m transfer on deadline day
Rio Ferdinand and Roy Keane disagree on Premier League title race amid Arsenal and City battle
Arsenal news and transfers LIVE: All the latest news, rumours and gossip from the Emirates Stadium
