Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta says he has no regrets about playing Ghanaian Thomas Partey in Sunday’s North London derby after picking up a thigh injury.
The 27-year-old had missed the Gunners' last four games due to an injury he sustained during the defeat against Aston Villa on November 8.
However, he worked tirelessly to be fit into to face Tottenham last weekend and was cleared to play having completed two full days training ahead of Sunday’s clash.
Arteta then started him against Spurs, only for Partey to break down just before half-time of the 2-0 defeat which left Arsenal languishing in 15th place in the Premier League
"He got injured in the same area," said the Spaniard. "Not exactly the same spot, but similar as it was before.
"We MRI [scanned] him yesterday [Tuesday]. There was an injury there and he will miss the next few matches."
Arteta has come in for some criticism following Partey’s injury, with many believing he was rushed back too early for such a crucial game.
"No," he said when asked if Partey had been rushed back.
"He did incredibly well. He was very confident. We tested him three times. He had zero symptoms about it. But in football, you have a lot of unpredictable actions and he went into the floor, his knee got stuck.
"After he needs to stretch and get up. Immediately he put a lot of stress in a similar area and he felt it again.
"After it was said it was a bit too early, I don’t think it was because he was completely fine to play."
Partey will now definitely miss Thursday night’s Europa League meeting with Dundalk in Ireland and next week’s Premier League meetings with Burnley and Southampton at Emirates Stadium.
He has made six appearances for Arsenal so far this season since he moved to the Emirates Stadium on the transfer deadline day in October.