'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.

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.

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.

"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."

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

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