According to reports from football.london, Arsenal’s Thomas Partey underwent a medical procedure following his recent injury, which will likely keep him out for the rest of the year, with doubts about his availability until February 2024 if Ghana participates in AFCON.
Partey’s history of injuries has prompted Arsenal to consider midfield reinforcements in the upcoming winter transfer window, with Martin Zubimendi of Real Sociedad on their radar.
With Mohamed Elneny likely to be involved in AFCON, securing a new midfielder becomes a priority for Arsenal.
The absence of Partey opens up opportunities for players like Declan Rice, Jorginho, Martin Odegaard, Kai Havertz, Emile Smith Rowe, and Fabio Vieira to take on more significant roles. However, both Odegaard and Smith Rowe are currently dealing with injuries, adding to the challenges for Mikel Arteta.
Injuries have not spared other areas of the team either, as Bukayo Saka and Takehiro Tomiyasu suffered injuries during the Champions League victory over Sevilla. Arteta provided insights into Saka’s condition, stating that it was a kick, and although uncomfortable, the hope is that he will recover.
Tomiyasu, dealing with discomfort in the first half, was wisely substituted to avoid any further risks, with the decision supported by the availability of Alex Lacazette to enter the game.
Eddie Nketiah was also sidelined due to a minor ankle injury, but there are expectations that he could return for the upcoming match against Burnley.
The injury concerns across various positions underscore the need for Arsenal to strengthen their squad, particularly in the midfield, to navigate the challenges posed by Partey’s prolonged absence and potential AFCON commitments for other players.
Arteta’s squad management will be put to the test as they seek to address the injury setbacks and maintain their competitive edge in domestic and European competitions. The upcoming winter transfer window presents an opportunity for Arsenal to reinforce their midfield options and ensure squad depth for the demanding schedule ahead.
