Injured Partey to be back in training in three weeks – Arsenal

Ghana international, Thomas Partey has been ruled out for three weeks as a result of the ankle ligament injury he suffered last weekend, Arsenal confirmed Saturday.

The midfielder sustained the damage following Ruben Loftus-Cheek’s strong challenge in a 2-1 pre-season defeat to Chelsea at the Emirates.

Partey, the new Arsenal number 5, appeared to be in significant discomfort when he suffered the injury during the first half of the game. He tried to play on but was forced off before the half-time break.

Manager Mikel Arteta spoke after the game that the injury was ‘not looking good’ and now the North Londoners have delivered an update on his fitness.

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.”

That means, in addition to this weekend’s final pre-season friendly against Tottenham, Partey will miss the 2021/22 Premier League season opener away to newly-promoted Brentford next Friday night.

And in a further blow to Arsenal, the 28-year-old 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.

Thomas Partey is likely to return to first-team duty against Norwich on September 11 following the international break.