Former Arsenal player's Thomas Partey warning resurfaces after latest injury setback

A warning sent by a former Arsenal defender has resurfaced after Gunners star Thomas Partey suffered a fresh injury setback.

Partey was an unused substitute for Ghana's African Cup of Nations qualifier against Angola on Monday, with manager Chris Hughton confirming that he did not want to risk the midfielder from the start.

The 29-year-old had played 90 minutes in Ghana's 1-0 win over the same opposition on Thursday, with the setback being suffered between the two qualifying fixtures.

Speaking to the press after the game, former Brighton and Newcastle boss Hughton explained: "Thomas has some small issues, a small injury issue and we felt it was too big of a risk to start him."

The comments made by Hughton will no doubt concern Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta, with Partey a key member of the side that currently leads the Premier League by seven points.

Goal reporter Charles Watts, meanwhile, claims that Partey is returning to the club's London Colney training ground and will be assessed ahead of Saturday's clash against Leeds.

And the club may now need to heed a warning sent by a former Arsenal player last year.

Former Arsenal defender on Partey

Speaking in October last year, ex-Gunners defender Matthew Upson, who made 14 appearances for Arsene Wenger's side during their 2001/02 Premier League-winning season, told his former club that they must be careful when it comes to Partey's fitness.

After Arsenal's 3-1 win over Tottenham in the north London derby - a game in which the Ghanaian scored the opening goal - Upson told Stadium Astro (via Metro): "Today he was excellent involved in a lot of passing in the build-up, to me that's a man of the match performance from a midfield player.

"Definitely, it's a big thing they have to achieve [keeping him fully fit]. Whether that's they manage his minutes, adjust his training schedule, whatever they need to do.

"I feel they have to keep him fit ready for occasions like today."

Arteta may now have to treat the midfielder's fitness issues with caution as the side enters the season-defining stint of the season.

The Gunners need to pick up 26 points out of a possible 30 remaining to win the league title for the first time since 2004 - and they will want Partey to be available for every game if possible.