Arsenal boss Mikel Arteta confirms another ‘significant’ injury with Thomas Partey potentially out for the season
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MIKEL ARTETA'S already wafer-thin Arsenal squad is now well and truly down to its bare bones.
The Gunners already fear Kieran Tierney will be out for the rest of the season after picking up a knee injury while on international duty with Scotland.
The left-back underwent surgery this week, with no timeframe currently in place for his return to action.
And following the humbling 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace on Monday night, Arteta has been dealt yet another injury blow.
The Spaniard confirmed on Friday that midfielder Thomas Partey picked up a "significant injury"; during the clash at Selhurst Park.
Partey, 28, was forced off the field with 16 minutes left to play on Monday, with what is now understood to be a thigh injury.
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And while Arteta remained coy on the injury when quizzed by reporterts, the Ghanian international is set to be out of action for a number of weeks.
Arteta confirmed: "It is a little bit ambiguous but he has a significant injury.
"We have to keep assessing him but he’ll be out for some weeks."
Arsenal let six players leave the club in the January transfer window without making any additions, leaving Arteta with very few options in the second part of the season.
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And it's a decision that may come back to haunt Gunners chiefs, with Tottenham now in pole position to finish fourth and qualify for the Champions League.
The bitter rivals are currently level on points, although Spurs have a better goal difference than Arteta and Co.
Arsenal do have a game in hand, but that is away at Stamford Bridge against Chelsea.
It means the rescheduled North London Derby set for Thursday, May 12 could well be a Champions League decider.
And it's Antonio Conte's Spurs who have home advantage for that clash.