Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has delivered disappointing news regarding midfielder Thomas Partey, stating that the Ghanaian will have to wait longer to return to action after another setback in his recovery process.
Partey, who was expected to make a comeback soon after positive updates about his fitness, will miss the Gunners’ upcoming clash against Liverpool in the Premier League on Sunday.
“Thomas Partey had a little setback a few days ago; unfortunately, he’s not available,” Arteta confirmed. “Whether it is a matter of days or weeks, we will see. He felt something again in a very similar area.”
The 30-year-old midfielder has been sidelined since October 2023, struggling to regain full fitness. This setback marks another delay in his return, further affecting both his club and country appearances.
Partey missed crucial games, including the 2026 World Cup qualifiers in November and the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, where Ghana participated in Ivory Coast.
This injury setback represents the first time Partey has missed an AFCON since his debut in 2017, having consistently featured in three consecutive AFCON tournaments – 2017, 2019, and 2021.
Partey, who has made five appearances in the English Premier League this season, will be a notable absence as Arsenal prepares to face Liverpool at home on February 4th.
The Gunners will hope for a swift recovery for the midfielder as they navigate their upcoming fixtures in both domestic and potentially European competitions.