ARSENAL have suffered a huge blow with Thomas Partey ruled out of the upcoming matches against Chelsea and Manchester City.
The Gunners midfielder picked up an ankle knock in last week’s 2-1 pre-season defeat against the Blues at the Emirates.
Boss Mikel Arteta spoke after the game that his injury was ‘not looking good’, and now the North Londoners have delivered an update on his fitness.
The 28-year-old sustained ankle ligament damage following Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s strong challenge.
An Arsenal statement said: “Thomas sustained an injury to ligaments in his right ankle during the friendly match against Chelsea last Sunday.
“Thomas continues to be assessed and is expected to be back in training in approximately three weeks.”
Not only will he miss Sunday’s pre-season North London derby, but also next Friday’s Premier League opener away at Brentford.
And in a further blow to Arsenal, he is now set to miss the home clash against Chelsea, as well as the trip to the Etihad to face the Citizens on August 28.
He is likely to return to first-team duty against Norwich on September 11 following the international break.
In another blow, striker Eddie Nketiah, who has been heavily linked with a move away this summer, has picked up his own ankle problem.
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The ex-Leeds loanee will now face a month on the sidelines in what could potentially scupper a move away from North London.
Arsenal stated: “Eddie sustained bruising to his right ankle during the friendly match against Chelsea.
“Eddie continues to be assessed and is expected to be back in training in approximately four weeks.”
Brazilian defender Gabriel Magalhaes is currently recovering from a knee injury he picked up on international duty which ruled him out of the Tokyo 2020 Games.
There is still no timeframe over his return, with Arsenal simply declaring the centre-back is aiming to be back ‘in the forthcoming weeks’.
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Source: Soccer - thesun.co.uk
