'Getting worse' - Arteta gives concerning injury update on 'irreplaceable' Arsenal midfielder

Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta gave a concerning update about the fitness of Thomas Partey.

Last night Manchester City beat Premier League title rivals Arsenal 1-0 to make it to the FA Cup fifth round.

Arsenal have established an impressive five-point lead in the league but it was City who shaded the cup clash thanks to Nathan Ake’s composed second-half finish.

However, the result was made worse from a Gunners perspective after influential midfielder Partey was forced off at halftime.

The Ghana international was replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga after sustaining a rib injury in the first half.

Arteta gives concerning Partey update

After the game, Arteta admitted he was concerned by Partey’s fitness, though stressed he did not know the long-term severity of the player’s injury.

The Spaniard told reporters: "He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse.

"He was uncomfortable to continue. [Saturday] or the day after he will have an MRI scan and see what he has.

"We have at the moment the injury of Mo [Elneny]. It is not possible to get him fit. [Albert] Sambi has come in and has done well.

"It is true Thomas is a big influence and a big personality and in the second half we didn't have him."

Indeed, Gary Neville described Partey on Monday Night Football as “the glue” of Arsenal’s side, insisting that he would be the most difficult player in the squad to replace.

On Wednesday Arteta expressed a desire to sign a new midfielder, with fringe player Mohamed Elneny suffering a potentially season-ending injury.

Two days later Arsenal saw a £60million bid for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo turned down.

The Ecuador international has since gone public with his desire to leave the Seagulls before the end of the transfer window.