Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey.
The Ghanian missed Wednesday’s loss to Manchester City, a result that saw Arteta’s side fall to second in the Premier League table behind the champions.
While the Gunners boast a game in hand, they are on their worst run of the season and the prospect of missing Partey for an extended period of time is a concerning one.
Arsenal head to Aston Villa for Saturday’s early kick-off and will meet former manager Unai Emery as they look to reclaim top spot for a few hours at least.
Arteta could not confirm Partey would make the trip, revealing the 29-year-old was still suffering from “muscle discomfort.”
“We have to assess him again today”, he said at Friday’s pre-match press conference.
“He has some muscle discomfort and we have to see how he is.”
The Arsenal boss, however, revealed Emile Smith Rowe would be in the squad should he pass a late fitness test, although Gabriel Jesus is still not ready to return.
“Emile will be training today and if he’s fine, he’ll be in the squad. Gabi is still not there.”
