Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to undergo an MRI scan this weekend to assess the severity of the rib injury he picked against Manchester City on Friday.
The Gunners were beaten 1-0 by their Premier League title rivals at the Etihad as Nathan Ake’s goal sent them out of the FA Cup in the fourth round. The result was made worse by an injury to Partey, who was forced from the field at half-time.
Partey was replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga after sustaining a rib injury in the first half. Speaking in his post-match press conference, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta explained what happened and what the plan is. “Yeah he felt something and we didn’t want to take any risks so he could not continue,” he said.
Asked if it was a knock to the ribs, Arteta replied: “Yeah, he had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse. 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.”
Partey is now a doubt for Arsenal’s next match against Everton on Saturday, February 4. The 29-year-old midfielder has been a key player for Arteta this season, starting 16 of the club’s 19 Premier League matches in a strong partnership with Granit Xhaka in the middle of the pitch.
The injury is a particular worry given the lack of depth in central midfield. While Arteta praised Lokonga’s performance in the second half against City, he said the knee injury to Mohamed Elneny had left them short of options.
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“Well, we have the injury of Mo at the moment and it’s not been possible to get him fit,” he said. “Sambi’s come in and I think done well. That’s what we have.
“It’s true Thomas is a big influence and is a big personality and player in our squad and in the second half we didn’t have him.”
Arsenal are looking to address their lack of options in central midfield during the January transfer window. After signing forward Leandro Trossard and defender Jakub Kiwior, they are now looking to bring in Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo.
The Seagulls rejected an initial offer of £60million for the Ecuador international, but may be forced to sell after Caicedo went public with his desire to leave on Friday night.
He said in a statement on social media: "I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful. The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.”
