Arsenal have found themselves in a battle at the top of the table with fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur. After failing to secure a Premier League title last season despite spending most of the season in first place, the Gunners are eager to exercise the previous season’s demons and lift their first title since 2004.
One of the focal points of their past summer transfer window was their midfield incomings and departures. The club let Granit Xhaka depart for Bayer Leverkusen after seven seasons at the Emirates. One of the biggest transfers this year involved Arsenal as Declan Rice moved across London to the Gunners in what is the second-most expensive British transfer fee. The club also controversially added Kai Havertz from Chelsea, with the German player operating as both a forward and a midfielder.
Adding captain Martin Odegaard into the mix and Arsenal’s midfield looks among the best in the league. Every title-contending team needs depth, though. For Arsenal, midfielder Thomas Partey was expected to be a part of that important depth for the club. Unfortunately for Mikel Arteta, the Ghanaian international has failed to stay fit this season.
Partey’s injury problems started when he missed a Premier League match on September 3 against Manchester United. After a brief return earlier this month, Partey has suffered a setback and manager Arteta has provided an update on his status.
"I think he will be out for weeks. I don’t know how long. He has another appointment today. We will see after that. It’s a big concern because when Thomas is fit and available we see the results and impact he has on the team.” [Source]"
The readily available defensive midfielders immediately behind Thomas Partey in the pecking order are Jorginho and Mohamed Elneny. So, while it isn’t a panicking stage for Arsenal fans with Partey out, the player was a key figure last season, so his absence hurts nonetheless.