Mikel Arteta 'sets date' for Arsenal star to return from injury following Aston Villa win

Mikel Arteta has provided an update on Thomas Partey's injury after the midfielder was absent for the Gunners' win over Aston Villa.

Arsenal looked as though they missed the Ghanaian in the first half in which they conceded two goals to Unai Emery's side.

Ollie Watkins opened the scoring within five minutes before Bukayo Saka got Arsenal level with a powerful strike into the roof of the net.

Philippe Coutinho then finished off a sumptuous Villa move as they headed into the break with the lead.

Arsenal were much improved in the second half, with Oleksandr Zinchenko lashing home his first Premier League goal from the corner, before Jorginho and Gabriel Martinelli completed the comeback.

Arteta outlines timeframe for Partey's return

Arteta has now provided an update on Partey, who was also absent from Arsenal's 3-1 defeat to Manchester City.

Speaking before the game, the Spaniard revealed Partey needed "another week" before he could return to action.

"He's not fit,” said Arteta.

“He didn't even train with us yesterday. He probably needs another week."

Fans will hope that the 29-year-old is available for their clash against Leicester next Saturday as Arsenal look to extend their winning run and shake off second-placed Manchester City.

However, it was Partey's temporary replacement Jorginho who stepped up top the plate against Villa, scoring a stunning, yet bizarre goal in stoppage time.

The Italian struck the ball first time from the edge of the area, thundering an effort against the bar and on to Emi Martinez's head before it bobbled into the back of the net.

When asked to sum up the match, Jorginho replied: "That's the Premier League. That's why it is the best league in the world. It is just beautiful."