Ahead of Liverpool vs Arsenal game, Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Thomas Partey will be sidelined.
Partey’s absence, due to a setback in his comeback journey, poses a challenge for Arsenal as they seek to reenter the top spot contention in the Premier League. Arteta expressed concern about the influential midfielder’s recurring issue and emphasized Partey’s unique contribution to the squad.
Arteta: “With Thomas, unfortunately, we had a little setback a few days ago, so he’s not going to be available to be in the squad. Whether that’s a matter of days or weeks, we’ll see but he had a little thing. I’m not a doctor but I’ll try to [explain]! He felt something again in a very similar area and he wasn’t able to train the last few days.
“It’s a big concern because he’s such an important player for us. He was getting some momentum at the start of the season and then we lost him for a while. Now it’s been a long time without him. He gives us something very different that no other player can give us in the squad. He’s been a real miss.”
While the setback dims Arsenal’s prospects, there’s a silver lining as Gabriel Jesus is set to feature. And overcoming doubts about his availability after a knee injury.
As the Gunners brace for a high-stakes encounter, the absence of Partey adds a layer of complexity to the pivotal match Liverpool vs Arsenal.
“Gabi obviously played and trained with us the whole week”, Mikel Arteta told reporters.