Thomas Partey, who was forced to leave the field at halftime of Arsenal’s 1-0 FA Cup loss to Manchester City on Friday, will have an MRI scan to determine the extent of the injury, according to manager Mikel Arteta.
The Ghanaian midfielder started the game but left before the half and was replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga. Nathan Ake then scored the game’s winning goal in the 64th minute.
Partey has started 16 Premier League games for Arsenal this season and has been nearly invariably present, but an apparent rib injury may force him to miss some time.
“He felt something and we didn’t want to take any risks, so he could not continue,” Arteta told reporters. “He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse.
“Tomorrow or the day after we’ll have to have an MRI scan and see what he has.”
Arteta declined to comment on whether Partey’s likely injury necessitates the purchase of more midfielders during the January transfer window.
“At the moment we’ve had the injury of Mo [Elneny] – it’s been impossible to get him fit,” Arteta said.
“Sambi’s come in and I think he’s done well. That’s why we have players. It’s true that Thomas is a big influence, a big personality and an important player in our squad. In the second half, we didn’t have him.”
