Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the injury status of midfielder Thomas Partey, revealing that the Ghanaian is expected to be sidelined for the remainder of the year due to a "significant" thigh injury.
Partey underwent a procedure earlier this month, and Arteta expressed optimism that the recovery process will span weeks rather than months.
However, uncertainty looms over whether he will be fit for the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January.
"I said that hopefully it's going to be weeks and not months, and he's working towards that," Arteta stated.
"He needs support. Hopefully, the injury will heal in the right way, and we'll have him back because he is a big player for us."
Arteta stressed the importance of supporting Partey during his rehabilitation, highlighting the midfielder's crucial role in the team.
He acknowledged the absence of key players and the need to ensure that both Partey and Emile Smith Rowe return to action in peak condition.
"We have to make sure that when they come back, they are at their best as well," Arteta emphasized.
"We don't want to rush them, but at the same time, the team needs them because at the moment, we are missing some key, key players."
Partey's last appearance for Arsenal was against Manchester City, and with his current injury status, it seems unlikely that he will be available before the end of the year.
There are also concerns about his participation in the AFCON in Ivory Coast, as he recently missed Ghana's 2026 World Cup qualifiers against Madagascar and Comoros due to the injury.
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