Arsenal suffer huge blow with Thomas Partey set to miss Man City clash through injury

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey is set to miss Wednesday's huge Premier League match against Manchester City through injury.

The midfielder was pictured in Arsenal first-team training on Tuesday and was expected to start the match at the Emirates.

But he is now set to miss the game because of a "muscular" problem, according to The Athletic's David Ornstein.

The injury is "not thought to be serious" but is severe enough to rule Partey out of the top-of-the-table clash.

Premier League leaders Arsenal are currently three points clear of defending champions City, who could move above their title rivals on goal difference if they win in north London.

The absence of Partey is a major blow for Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta ahead of arguably the biggest game of the season so far.

The Ghana international, 29, has been one of Arsenal's most consistent players this campaign, starting 18 of their 21 matches in the Premier League.

Arsenal are already without a number of first-team players including fellow midfielder Mohamed Elneny, with Reiss Nelson and Gabriel Jesus also currently sidelined.

Arsenal allowed another midfielder, Albert Sambi Lokonga, to join Crystal Palace on loan in the January transfer window, after signing Italy international Jorginho from Chelsea on deadline day.

Jorginho is now likely to start against City, who are not without injury concerns of their own.

Partey is set to miss Wednesday's match between Arsenal and Man City (Image: Alamy)

Erling Haaland is a doubt for the match after he was substituted at half-time in Sunday's 3-1 win over Aston Villa after picking up a knock.

The Norway international trained as usual on Tuesday and was part of City's travelling squad.

However, it remains to be seen whether he will be fit enough to start the match at the Emirates.

City will also be without defender John Stones, who is not expected to return to first-team action until March because of a thigh problem.

Arteta: We have learnt a lot

In his pre-match press conference, Arteta spoke about the need for Arsenal to be resilient and overcome adversity.

"We have had a few moments in the past as well where we have learnt a lot," he said.

"Especially the people that we have in the team and the type of characters that they are, how much they care about their profession and how close they are to each other, and how clear the ambition and the purpose of what we do every single day to win."

He also called on Arsenal's supporters to create a memorable atmosphere for the visit of City.

"We'll play with 15 players tomorrow! They are so into it with every single ball and giving us energy and support, and basically everything they have been doing," he added.

"Let's enjoy it, a beautiful night on a really special day."