Arsenal’s midfield star Thomas Partey will have to wait a little longer before making his highly anticipated return to competitive action as he will miss the upcoming clash against Liverpool on Sunday, according to Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta.
Partey, who has been sidelined since October 24, 2023, due to a muscle injury, recently resumed first-team training but has suffered a setback, further delaying his comeback.
Arteta confirmed the setback, stating, “Thomas Partey had a little setback a few days ago, unfortunately, he’s not available. Whether it is a matter of days or weeks, we will see. He felt something again in a very similar area.”
The 30-year-old midfielder’s absence will be keenly felt by Arsenal as they face a formidable Liverpool side at home on February 4th.
This setback is a blow to Partey, especially after missing the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) held in Ivory Coast. It was the first time he had missed the tournament since his debut in 2016, having previously featured in three consecutive AFCON tournaments in 2017, 2019, and 2021.
Fans will be eagerly awaiting Partey’s return to the Arsenal lineup, but it is clear that his recovery process continues to pose challenges.