Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed Thomas Partey will need an MRI after suffering an injury that forced him off the pitch during the break in Friday’s 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Manchester City .
The Ghanaian midfielder started the game but did not return after the break, being replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga before Nathan Ake scored the winning goal in the 64th minute.
Partey has been a near-constant presence at Arsenal this season, having made 16 Premier League appearances, but he may have to sideline with apparent rib problems.
“He felt something and we didn’t want to risk it, so he couldn’t continue,” Arteta told reporters. “He had some discomfort and got worse and worse.
“Tomorrow or the day after tomorrow we will need to do an MRI and see what he has.”
Arteta will be oblivious to whether Partey’s potential injury means they need to invest in strengthening their midfield during the January transfer window.
“At the moment we have Mo injury [Elneny] “It was impossible to get him into shape,” Arteta said.
“Sambi came and I think he did well. That’s why we have players. It is true that Thomas is a great influence, a great personality and an important player in our team. We didn’t have it in the second half.”
Arteta will also not be involved in speculation linking the Gunners to a £60m offer for Brighton & Hove Albion midfielder Felipe Caicedo. On Friday, the Ecuadorian took to social media to beg his club to let him go.
“You know that I will not comment on any player until nothing is done,” Arteta said.
“As I said, we are quite active in the market. We have some needs and if something else is available, the club is willing to try and do it when it makes sense.
“With hope [that would be] a player who can improve our team.”