The Ghanaian is unlikely to spend long on the sidelines (Picture: Getty)
Arsenal do not believe Thomas Partey has sustained any significant damage after his rib injury and he is expected to be available for their next match, according to reports.
The Ghanaian, who has delivered a string of excellent displays this season, was replaced at half-time of Friday night’s FA Cup defeat to Manchester City at the Etihad.
Arsenal had given a solid performance in the first half with Partey on the pitch but were much more open and passive in the second period, with Nathan Ake’s goal securing a 1-0 win for the hosts.
Partey appeared to take a knock in the ribs after a coming together with Kevin De Bruyne and Mikel Arteta revealed afterwards that he had been unable to continue.
‘He felt something and we didn’t want to take any risks, so he could not continue,’ said the Spanish coach.
‘He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse. He could not continue. He wasn’t comfortable to continue.
‘Tomorrow [Saturday] or the day after we’ll have an MRI scan and see what he has.’
Partey only lasted 45 minutes against City before being subbed (Picture: Getty)
Fortunately for the Gunners, The Sun are reporting that initial assessments have shown it is not a serious injury – though they are still waiting on the results of the MRI.
As a result, the club are hopeful Partey will be fit and available for next weekend’s trip to face Everton at Goodison Park, where the table-topping Gunners will be hoping to avoid being on the end of a new manager bounce as Sean Dyche takes charge of his first match.
The news that Partey’s injury is not a significant one will be a welcome relief to Arteta, who is currently looking to bolster his midfield after Mohamed Elneny picked up a long-term injury and Albert Sambi Lokonga struggled against City.
Asked if Partey’s knock reinforced the need for new signings in midfield, Arteta replied: ‘Well, at the moment we’ve had the injury of Mo [Elneny] – it’s been impossible to get him fit.
‘Sambi’s come in and I think he’s done well. That’s why we have players. It’s true that Thomas is a big influence. a big personality and an important player in our squad. In the second half, we didn’t have him.’
The north Londoners had a £60million bid for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo rejected on Friday evening and the south-coast club are adamant he is not for sale despite the Ecuadorian’s public pleas to be sold on social media.
MORE : Brighton set massive price tag for Arsenal and Chelsea to sign Moises Caicedo this month
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The Ghanaian was taken off at half-time during Friday’s FA Cup defeat.
