03 September 2023 , 15:37
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Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has confirmed that Thomas Partey will be out for a "couple of weeks" after suffering a groin injury.
The 30-year-old picked up the issue in training ahead of the Gunners' game against Manchester United and will now be out for the foreseeable future, including Ghana's two September fixtures against Central African Republic and Liberia. He could also miss the start to Arsenal's Champions League campaign.
Arteta's side have seven fixtures in three weeks after the international break, with two European matches against PSV and Lens to come. They also take on Everton, Tottenham, Bournemouth and Manchester City in the Premier League, as well as a Carabao Cup trip to Brentford.
When asked about Partey's absence, Arteta said: "We need a few more tests but he felt something in training and I think he will be out for a couple of weeks.
"He had the capacity to play in various positions and today was a game for him to play in a different position but he is not available."
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Despite Arteta's comments, there are fears Partey could be set for an extended spell on the sidelines with some reports suggesting he may be out for up to eight weeks.
Thomas Partey is expected to be out for a "couple of weeks" (Getty Images)Ghana initially confirmed Partey's setback when announcing he would miss out on their upcoming Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. A statement read: " Arsenal ace Thomas Partey is left out of the squad due to injury.
"According to his club, the player picked up an injury in training and could be on the sidelines for a while, however the Black Stars medical teams is monitoring the situation."
The ex-Atletico Madrid midfielder started the Gunners' first three Premier League matches in a hybrid right-back role, where he would often be required to move into midfield.
However, with Partey now out, Arteta moved back to a 4-3-3 approach for the visit of United, with Gabriel and Oleksandr Zinchenko coming into the XI.