Partey ruled out for the rest of the year

Arsenal's Thomas Partey

Friday Nov 10, 2023. 16:04

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the year after reportedly undergoing a “procedure” on his thigh injury.

The Ghana international hasn’t featured for the Gunners since the 1-0 win over Manchester City at the Emirates Stadium on October 8, when he came off the bench for the final 15 minutes.

Partey, who missed four Premier League games earlier in the season with a groin problem, sustained the latest injury in training ahead of the UEFA Champions League clash with Sevilla in Spain on October 24.

The 30-year-old has only managed four appearances for Mikel Arteta’s side in the league, mostly at right-back, and he’s unlikely to play again in 2023.

Partey could also be ruled out of the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, which takes place in Ivory Coast from 13 January to 11 February 2024.

With Mohamed Elneny set to represent Egypt at the African showpiece early next year, Mikel could be forced into the January transfer market to seek cover for Declan Rice and Jorginho in midfield.

Speaking ahead of the EFL Cup encounter with West Ham on November 1, Arteta expressed concern that Partey’s absence could have on the team.

“I think that he will be out for weeks, I don’t know how long but he’s got another appointment today and we will see more after that,” the Spaniard said.

“Yes he is a big concern because when Thomas is fit and available and he’s been part of the team we have seen what the results and the impact that he has on the team.”