Arsenal sweating over Thomas Partey fitness for Liverpool

As enjoyable as this international break is for Arsenal as supporters can peak over at the Premier League table without having to scroll down on their devices, the worry of players potentially picking up injuries remains an issue for all clubs.

Mikel Arteta has no less than 15 first team players away with their countries over this period, extending the risk of suffering unwanted knocks and niggles ahead of the upcoming winter fixture period.

Liverpool at Anfield is what comes next for Arsenal on November 20, and their biggest injury worry of all is someone who isn’t even partaking with his nation during these World Cup qualifiers.

Thomas Partey suffered a groin strain in the build up to the 1-0 win over Watford and a decision was made between Arsenal and Ghana to keep him at London Colney and evaluate the severity of the issue.

Arsenal sweating over Thomas Partey fitness for Liverpool with Ghana midfielder not fit to play for his country as Premier League football looms

He was left helpless watching on as the Black Stars stumbled to a 1-1 draw away at Ethiopia, a result that leaves their hopes of qualifying for the 2022 World Cup hanging by a thread. They not only need to beat South Africa on the final matchday to reach the knockout stages, but also need to overturn a three-goal advantage in the South African’s favour.

Hoping to link up with Ghana and be part of that squad, Charles Watts revealed that is is highly unlikely Partey will be fit in time to make the journey and will instead remain in north London to receive treatment.

On the plus side, Arsenal are ‘hopeful’ that he will be fit in time to face the Reds on their home patch.

It’s not the most reassuring news, nor should anyone pin their own hopes on the Ghanaian being ready in time for the clash. His fitness issues have been a long-standing problem since his arrival and if anything has been learnt during his time at Arsenal it’s that when a timeframe is given fans should take it with a punch of salt.

Still yet to start seven Premier League matches consecutively for the club, were he not to be back in time it would leave Arteta with his hands tied in terms of options. Mohamed Elneny would normally be under consideration, yet Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles would surely be the pairing to opt for.

For experience and to try and keep the ball it could be Elneny, however, Arteta has seemed to gravitate away from the Egyptian other than as a very late substitute to see games out.