Arsenal Given Update on Thomas Partey Injury

That first half showing actually managed to get worse.

Torn to shreds by the dynamism of Ross Barkley, John McGinn and Jack Grealish, going into the break trailing by just one goal was all Arsenal had to cling onto against Aston Villa.

Yearning for the antithesis of that display in the second half, seeing Thomas Partey‘s number 18 shirt come up in red by the fourth official did little to lighten the mood. Fans were prepped to express their contempt at the tactical tweak by Mikel Arteta, but his hand was forced.

Nobody in the team performed anywhere near to the best of their abilities, Partey included. But with it since being revealed he felt a strain in his thigh in the opening stages, the few misplaced passes and inability to adequately track back are pardonable.

He had come close to scoring when capitalising on a defensive lapse, but Emiliano Martinez smothered his effort. He physically deteriorated afterwards.

Speaking after the game on the official Arsenal website, Arteta clarified the decision to substitute him.

"“We have to scan him tomorrow or the day after and see what he felt straight away. Let’s wait and see what the magnitude of the injury is.”"

As per Goal, the extent of the problem has been revealed, with a decision being made for the 27-year-old to remain in north London during the international break to receive treatment, meaning he will miss Ghana’s two African Cup of Nations qualifiers.

Optimism from the player’s camp suggests the injury isn’t long-term, however; the full length of his absence remains to be seen.

In the short space of time Partey has been with the Gunners, his value to the side has already become apparent. Well and by far the most talented midfielder in the squad, he’s the best on the ball, off the ball and the most tactically sound.

This is an Arsenal low beyond calculation, regardless of the defeat not outright revealing anything especially new to the club and its fans. Our strikers aren’t getting chances, with scoring opportunities frightfully hard to come by.

Whatever the solution is to the current rut, Partey is part of it. Of this there is no doubt. Restructure the team, make wholesale alterations to the lineup, but in every eventuality, Partey is focal.

Arsenal are going nowhere without him. He has to return for Leeds.