Mikel Arteta admits Thomas Partey’s fitness is a ‘big concern’ after reports claimed the Arsenal star could be ruled out until December with hamstring injury

• Partey has not played for the Gunners since the 1-0 win over Man City on Oct 8
• Reports have suggested the Ghanaian might not return until early December
• Listen to the latest episode of Mail Sport’s podcast ‘It’s All Kicking Off!’ 

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted Thomas Partey’s fitness is a ‘big concern’ after reports claimed the midfielder could be out until December.

The Ghanaian missed just seven games in five years at Atletico Madrid but has been plagued with issues since joining Arsenal in 2020 – sitting out 53 fixtures for club and country in that time.

Partey’s last appearance for the Gunners came as a substitute in the 1-0 win over Manchester City earlier this month. He suffered a setback in training last week ahead of Arsenal’s victory away at Sevilla in the Champions League.

And ESPN reports the 30-year-old might not return to the fold until the beginning of December, ahead of the busy festive period.

‘I think that he will be out for weeks,’ Arteta said of Partey’s latest injury.

Thomas Partey has not featured for Arsenal since the win over Manchester City on October 8

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta has admitted he is concerned over the fitness of the Ghanaian star

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‘It is a big concern because, when Thomas is fit and available and he’s been part of the team, we have seen what the results and the impact that he has on the team.

‘This season we have more protection, especially for that reason as well because we know in the past two seasons what has happened and the impact that it had on the team, so we had to address that.’

Arteta was speaking prior to Arsenal’s trip to West Ham in the fourth round of the Carabao Cup on Wednesday.

Gabriel Jesus will not feature despite Arteta revealing the striker is ‘already pushing’ to return from a hamstring injury suffered in a Champions League win at Sevilla last week.

Captain Martin Odegaard is again likely to be rested as he recovers from a hip complaint.

Declan Rice, who left West Ham to join Arsenal for £105million in the summer, could also play a part in the clash at the London Stadium. 

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