Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is a doubt ahead of the trip to face Aston Villa on Saturday after missing the defeat against Manchester City earlier this week. The Ghana international was left out of Mikel Arteta's squad as a precaution after suffering from a tight muscle that is not thought to be serious.
Muscle injuries tend to see players miss a number of games but Arteta will hope to have Partey back quickly as the Gunners continue to fight for the Premier League title. The 29-year-old's absence saw Jorginho start in his place alongside Granit Xhaka and Martin Odegaard in midfield and Arteta may field the same trio against Villa.
Speaking to Amazon Prime ahead of the clash against City, Arteta said: "It's what happens in football. Players pick up injuries and unfortunately Thomas [Partey] felt something in his back muscle meaning he isn't available to play today."
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In his press conference ahead of the trip to Villa Park, the Arsenal boss provided a fresh update on Partey's fitness as the club assesses his condition before the must-win game. Arteta said: "We have to assess him today again.
"He had some discomfort, a little muscle discomfort. We have to assess him this morning and see how he is."
Following the loss to City, Partey met with Gabby Otchere-Darko, executive director of the Danquah Insitute, along with Arsenal teammate Eddie Nketiah - who is yet to decide on a possible nationality switch from England to Ghana. Otchere-Darko posted a picture on social media with Nketiah and Partey, suggesting both will help Arsenal get back to winning ways against Aston Villa on Sunday.
Partey was spotted arriving in his own car before joining his teammates at the Emirates Stadium ahead of kick-off on Wednesday night. The Ghana international will hope he can pass the necessary fitness tests to be declared available for the trip to Villa Park, despite Jorginho's solid home debut performance.
The 29-year-old has been a pivotal player for Arteta this season, allowing Xhaka and Odegaard to have more influence in attacking areas as he controls the game from a deeper position. Partey's absence did not help Arsenal's chances of beating City, but defensive errors were the main problem for Arteta who will hope his team can get back to winning ways on Saturday against Unai Emery's side.
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