Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023

Thomas Partey is unlikely to play for Arsenal again this year after the midfielder underwent minor surgery on his thigh at the start of November.

The Ghanaian has been a fitness liability since joining the club after boasting a near-clean bill of health during his time at Atletico Madrid.

Partey has been absent at crucial points of previous seasons, and his latest setbacks have seen him barely feature in 2023/24. Fortunately, Arsenal’s purchase of Declan Rice in the summer has meant the Gunners have coped in the middle of the park when they haven’t previously.

Thomas Partey unlikely to play for Arsenal again in 2023

Arsenal considered selling the 30-year-old in the summer after he endured a slow end to the campaign, but the club opted against sanctioning a move. It’s a decision that looks to have come back to bite the Gunners.

According to the Standard’s Simon Collings, Partey, who hasn’t played since the 1-0 win over Manchester City and started a game since 26 August, is set for another six to eight weeks on the sidelines after undergoing surgery. Collings added that the midfielder may be out for longer depending on his recovery time.

While the procedure will hopefully fix Partey’s nagging thigh problem, it looks as if supporters have grown tired of the midfielder’s lack of availability. The midfielder has been a crucial cog in midfield when fit and firing, but his importance to the side, despite his obvious qualities, is dwindling.

Partey’s surgery will see him miss the hectic festive period, and there’s no doubt he’ll be aiming to be fit for Ghana’s African Cup of Nations campaign. The tournament begins in January, and he may not feature for Arsenal before then.

So, if the Gunners opt against selling the 30-year-old in January, there’s a chance we won’t see Partey again in an Arsenal shirt until February!

Let’s just hope and pray Rice remains available in the meantime, eh?