The Ghanaian international is expected to miss the start of the Arsenal season with an ankle injury he suffered against Chelsea on Sunday.
Thomas Partey will be released for a few weeks
Thomas Partey was driven out just half an hour later during Arsenal’s 2-1 defeat to the Blues in the opening game of the Mind Series tournament. Speaking after the match, Gunners’ boss Arteta admitted that the injury did not look good and a scan on Monday revealed that Thomas Partey is now set to be on the sidelines.
Early Monday’s scan results are mixed and Thomas Partey is now expected to release for a few weeks, according to sources close to the player. But while there is disappointment that the midfielder will now miss at least the new season opening game at Brentford on August 13, there is also some relief that initial signs suggest he won’t be in the long run.
Early signs are that he will miss a few weeks after an ankle ligament injury, but surgery will not be necessary. Thomas Partey will see another ankle specialist later this week when the exact extent of the injury and its absence should be clarified.
Thomas Partey will certainly miss Sunday’s game against Tottenham in the Mind Series, which will be Arsenal’s last pre-season outing this summer. He will then also serve the opening game of the Premier League season at the newly promoted Brentford on Friday 13 August. Arsenal will then play Chelsea on 22 August and Man City on 28 August, and Thomas Partey will look forward to playing at least one of these instruments, provided he doesn’t fail.
Other options in central midfield
Mikel Arteta has some options in central midfield and Xhaka is now at the club after his proposed move to Roma fell through. The midfield duo Mohamed Elneny and Granit Xhaka is the most likely start against Brentford, although Sambi Lokonga’s new signing impressed from the bench against Chelsea on Sunday. Willock, which Newcastle is looking for, can also enter the equation.