Injury has ruled Partey out of tonight’s showdown (Picture: Getty)
Mikel Arteta has confirmed Thomas Partey misses Wednesday’s Premier League showdown with Manchester City through injury but has backed Jorginho to step in and fill the void.
The Ghana international has enjoyed a superb campaign for the Gunners this season, starting 18 of their 21 league matches and playing a key role in their rise to the summit of the Premier League.
But a muscle injury means he will sit out of tonight’s huge clash against defending champions City.
Partey trained with his Arsenal teammates on Tuesday and while the injury is not thought to be serious, it serves as a major blow ahead of kick-off.
Speaking ahead of kick-off, Arteta told Amazon Prime: It’s what happens in football. Players pick up injuries.
‘Unfortunately Thomas felt something in his back muscle and he wasn’t available to play today.’
Jorginho, signed from Chelsea on the final day of the January transfer window, comes into replace Partey in midfield alongside Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka and believes the Italian will prove his worth on the big stage.
‘That is why we brought him here for this occasion and we always plan for this possibility,’ Arteta said.
‘Jorgi has the opportunity today.’
Arsenal hold a three point lead over City and could lay down another major statement by extending that advantage over the champions tonight with a game also in hand.
Victory for City however will see them return to the top of the league on goal difference.
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The Ghana international will not feature tonight.
