Arsenal ’s hopes of a top four finish don’t look quite as promising as they did this time last week, with Monday night’s 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace denying them the chance to move back into the top four following Tottenham ’s victory over Newcastle on Sunday.
And to make matters worse for the Gunners, they picked up two fresh injury concerns in the Selhurst Park defeat, leaving manager Mikel Arteta with plenty to mull over ahead of Saturday’s visit of Brighton.
Here is all you need to know about the current state of play at the Emirates Stadium and the expected return dates for those currently on the sidelines.
Thomas Partey
Midfielder Thomas Partey aggravated his thigh during Monday’s defeat to Crystal Palace and is currently struggling with the injury that forced him off after 74 minutes of the 3-0 defeat at Selhurst Park.
The Ghanaian is now a major doubt ahead of this weekend’s Premier League clash with Brighton, although Arteta has revealed that he is currently being assessed, meaning he may have to pass a late fitness test in order to feature on Saturday.
On Tuesday, Arteta said: “Thomas is currently being assessed ahead of the weekend after aggravating his thigh during Monday night’s match.”
Kieran Tierney
How big of a blow is Kieran Tierney's injury to Arsenal? Let us know your thoughts in the comments section below.
Left-back Kieran Tierney picked up a potentially season-ending injury last week in what is a huge blow for the Gunners ahead of the rest of the campaign, with the Scottish international now set for an operation.
The 24-year-old was left out of Monday’s fixture after feeling discomfort in his leg following last Thursday’s training session. After having it looked at by a specialist, it was decided that Tierney would need surgery and there is doubt over whether he will feature again this season.
Arteta confirmed on Tuesday: “Kieran felt discomfort after a training session on Thursday. A specialist consultation took place, and as a result of further discussions, it has been decided that he requires [knee] surgery.”
Takehiro Tomiasyu
There was some hope that Japan international defender Takehiro Tomiyasu was set to make his long awaited return from injury when Arsenal faced Crystal Palace on Monday, but it now looks as though he will continue to be ruled out until at least the end of the month.
The right back has been struggling with a calf injury and last featured for the Gunners in the 2-0 Carabao Cup semi-final second leg defeat to Liverpool on January 20, and now Arteta has confirmed that he won’t join in with full training until after the away tie to Southampton next weekend.
Speaking on Tuesday, Arteta said: “Takehiro is making progress in his recovery from a muscle injury. It is hoped [that he] will be back in full training after the match at Southampton.”
Nicolas Pepe
Ivorian winger Nicolas Pepe is currently recovering from an illness which kept him out of the squad for Monday’s defeat at Crystal Palace, although it has not been confirmed as Covid-19.
Nonetheless, Pepe is currently being assessed ahead of this weekend and may also have to face a late fitness test in order to be involved against Brighton on Saturday, although it depends on how his physical condition has been affected.
It can be hoped that he was left out on Monday as more of a precaution, in order to not make himself worse, but he could still be a doubt for Saturday’s game should he not make a full recovery in time.
