Mikel Arteta has offered an update on Thomas Partey ahead of Arsenal's Premier League clash against Manchester City. The Ghanaian midfielder has been ruled out of the game after picking up a muscular injury, football.london understands.
Muscle injuries tend to see players miss a number of games but Arteta will hope to have Partey back quickly as the Gunners continue to fight for the Premier League title. January signing Jorginho is set to start in the 29-year-old's absence with Takehiro Tomiyasu also coming into the team to replace Ben White who has dropped to the bench.
Pep Guardiola was boosted by the news that Erling Haaland did not suffer a serious thigh injury despite being substituted at half-time against Aston Villa. The Premier League top scorer starts for City tonight and Martin Odegaard revealed before kick-off that he and his Norwegian teammate had been in regular contact ahead of the clash this evening.
READ MORE: Arsenal vs Manchester City LIVE: Jorginho and Tomiyasu start, Ben White benched, Partey injured
It was revealed by the club that Partey is dealing with a tight muscle and was left out as a precaution. Speaking to Amazon Prime ahead of kick-off, Arteta said: "It's what happens in football.
"Players pick up injuries and unfortunately Thomas [Partey] felt something in his back muscle. He isn't available to play today."
When asked about Jorginho's role in the starting lineup, Arteta responded: "That's why we brought him here, for this occasion and because it was a possibility [that Partey could get an injury]. We planned for that and Jorgi has the opportunity today."
Judging from Arteta's comments, it seems Partey's injury is not serious and he could back available again for the weekend's clash against Unai Emery's Aston Villa side.
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