Jason McAteer says Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta is facing a possible ‘nightmare’ scenario if Thomas Partey is out of action for any length of time following a recent rib injury.
The former Liverpool midfielder added that if Partey is sidelined then it will be a ‘big miss’ for the current Premier League leaders.
During Arsenal’s 1-0 defeat to Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City in the fourth-round of the FA Cup on Friday night, Partey was substituted at half-time after feeling some discomfort.
It was a precaution from Arteta given how important the £45 million star (Sky Sports) is to the team, the fact that it was a cup game and they have important league games coming up.
The 29-year-old will undergo an MRI scan to determine the extent of his issues, with many donning Arsenal colours keeping their fingers crossed.
Either way, this could prove to be a very crucial few days for the club, especially with the January transfer window open, which was touched upon by McAteer, as he told beIN SPORTS (28/01/23 at 5:50 pm).
“To lose Partey out for a prolonged period of time would be a nightmare for Arsenal,” said McAteer. “He will have an MRI scan to see how much damage is done and how long he is out for.
“He will be a big miss for them. They have strengthened in the window, maybe not in that position. But Trossard has been a good signing.
“Arteta’s got cover in most positions. I think Nketiah has been outstanding in Jesus’ absence.”
ARSENAL PUSHING FOR MOISES CAICEDO
Whilst the Gunners wait on Partey and know that Mohamed Elneny is out for several months, then that defensive-midfield role becomes even more precious by the day.
In recent transfer windows, Brighton have been swallowed up by the elite teams in the Premier League, with star player after star player being nabbed away.
It seems as though Moises Caicedo is the latest one, with the London club hopeful they can strike a deal if Brighton were to bring in a midfielder before Tuesday’s cut-off point.
The highly-rated 21-year-old ticks the boxes for what Arsenal need, and if he signs, it then increases their chances of winning the Premier League title.
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