Arsenal star Thomas Partey’s injury is reportedly worse than first feared in a major blow to Mikel Arteta. Partey’s campaign has been disrupted by two separate injuries with a fresh issue likely to keep him out for a lengthy period.
Arteta confirmed that Partey could miss an extended period due to a “significant” injury. The Ghanaian has undergone a procedure to resolve an ongoing thigh problem.
Partey has already missed six weeks this season due to two issues, with the latest possibly keeping him out until the end of the year. With the African Cup of Nations scheduled for January, the 30-year-old might not play a prominent role for Arsenal until at least February.
The former Atletico Madrid star’s absence might hand Arsenal a double financial blow. Reports claimed that he might have been sold in January to help Arsenal recoup funds for more transfers. Arsenal are claimed to be interested in Brazilian starlet Andre Trindade.
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Partey’s continued injury issues are likely to prevent a January exit. That means Arsenal will miss out on receiving a big fee for the player, which would have helped to fund moves for new arrivals.
Instead, the north Londoners must continue paying Partey’s £200,000 per-week salary while he continues to battle back from injury. That is despite the fact that he appears to have been pushed down the pecking order under Arteta by the arrival of Declan Rice.
Partey has been a key player at Arsenal over the last few years. Playing as a defensive midfielder, he has facilitated the likes of Martin Odegaard, Granit Xhaka and Kai Havertz playing higher up the pitch.
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But Rice’s arrival and injuries have limited Partey’s action over the last few months. He started Arsenal’s first three Premier League matches but has featured for just 15 top-flight minutes since hobbling off against Fulham on August 26.
Arteta and sporting director Edu might have hoped to complete a couple of signings in January, despite spending nearly £200m in the summer. Those deals might only be possible if several fringe players depart, though, with Arsenal needing to raise funds.
Partey will likely remain in north London, preventing Arsenal from recouping the money required to spend on new players. That could come as a frustration to the club’s hierarchy.
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