Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta provides update on Thomas Partey’s fitness ahead of crucial Aston Villa clash
Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has said Thomas Partey’s fitness will be assessed ahead of his side’s clash with Aston Villa.
The Ghanaian midfielder missed his side’s crucial Premier League match against Manchester City on Wednesday evening, which the Gunners lost 3-1 to give the reigning champions the lead in the title race.
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Partey has been crucial to Arsenal’s hopes this season
Partey has been one of Arsenal’s most important players over the course of this season but has had a few muscular problems with his back, which have been a concern for the club.
As a result, Jorginho has been playing in his place, as he did against Manchester City on Wednesday evening against Pep Guardiola’s side.
Arteta did admit before the Manchester City match that he was unsure of how long Partey would be out for and reiterated that message in his press conference on Friday morning ahead of the match against Unai Emery’s side.
The Spanish coach said: “We have to assess him again today. He had a little discomfort – a muscle discomfort and we have to see how he is this morning.”
A spell on the sidelines would be a big problem for Arsenal as they have failed to win any of their last three Premier League matches, causing a blip in the title race as they lost ground to Guardiola’s team.
Both Arsenal and Manchester City are now level on points in the league with just the Citizens’ goal difference giving them the edge, although the Gunners do have an extra game in hand.
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