Arsenal have been dealt a huge injury blow after Mikel Arteta confirmed Thomas Partey was forced off with another concern during the 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa.
We slumped to our second loss on the road in just a matter of days after an early Ollie Watkins strike was enough to consign Arsenal to a hugely disappointing 1-0 defeat at Villa Park on Saturday lunchtime.
If the result wasn’t frustrating enough, it looks like a key Arsenal player could be facing another spell on the sidelines as Partey limped off midway through the second half with an apparent hamstring issue.
The Ghana midfielder was enjoying another fine display but pulled up holding the back of his leg and after receiving treatment from the clubs physio, Partey was replaced by Willian in the 74th minute.
Arteta confirms fresh blow as key Arsenal star picks up injury against Aston Villa
Speaking after the game, Arteta confirmed the midfielder sustained a muscle injury and wasn’t able to continue but the club don’t yet know the full extent of the issue.
It will be a huge blow if Partey is ruled out yet again as he’s only just returned to full fitness having endured an injury plagued start to life in north London following his move from Atletico Madrid last summer.
When he plays, Partey showcases world class qualities in midfield and the game completely changed once he went off today. Part of that was the introduction of Willian as he was woeful once again but we also sorely missed Partey’s presence in the middle of the park.
You can tell he’s going to be a vital player for Arsenal but he just can’t seem to stay fit so let’s pray this latest injury isn’t serious. He didn’t look in too much discomfort when he walked off against Villa so let’s hope for positive news once the injury is assessed.
