Arsenal injury update: Partey faces prolonged absence, Gabriel Jesus nears return

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey could potentially remain sidelined until the end of the year due to a persistent groin and muscle injury.

The 30-year-old missed a string of matches after sustaining a groin injury in the 2-2 draw with Fulham at the end of August.

Partey started Arsenal’s first three Premier League fixtures in a makeshift right-back role before his injury, with Declan Rice taking his place in midfield; while Ben White shifted to central defence, displacing Gabriel Magalhaes.

Partey made his return from injury in the 1-0 win over Manchester City before the international break in October. However, he was named as an unused substitute in the 2-2 draw with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge. This omission raised eyebrows, particularly since Partey had played for over an hour during Ghana’s recent 4-0 loss to the United States.

Arsenal injury update: Partey faces prolonged absence, Gabriel Jesus nears return

According to John Cross in the Mirror: “Thomas Partey could potentially be out until the end of the year.” Arteta has confirmed that Partey will be absent for “weeks” following the injury in September and subsequent muscle problems.

Meanwhile, Arsenal will not rush back Gabriel Jesus following his return from injury despite his recent call-up to the Brazilian national team. Jesus has missed the last three Arsenal matches due to a hamstring injury suffered in the Champions League victory over Sevilla last month.

While he is making progress in his recovery, Arsenal are wary of his participation in upcoming fixtures against Sevilla and Burnley, as it could make him eligible for Brazil’s World Cup qualifiers against Colombia and Argentina.

Jesus has struggled with injury setbacks since the last World Cup in Qatar, and Arsenal are keen to manage his return carefully, especially considering the long journey to South America for international duty.

Mikel Arteta is actively seeking to bolster his striking options, with Brentford’s Ivan Toney being a potential target in the January transfer window. In addition to Partey and Jesus, Smith Rowe is another player sidelined for an extended period, with a strong desire for game time and minutes. Captain Martin Odegaard also missed Arsenal’s defeat to Newcastle on Saturday.