Arsenal manager, Mikel Arteta has provided an update on the injury situation of Thomas Partey.
The Ghana international has been out of action since October due to a muscle injury.
However, Arteta says Partey is expected to be out for at least the rest of the year due to a "significant" thigh injury that required a procedure earlier this month.
The manager expressed hope that the player's recovery would take weeks rather than months.
"I said that hopefully it's going to be weeks and not months and he's working towards that," Arteta said.
"He needs support. Hopefully, the injury will heal in the right way and we'll have him back because he is a big player for us."
Arteta emphasised the importance of supporting Partey during his rehabilitation process, stating that the player is a crucial member of the team.
However, he also stressed the need to ensure that both Partey and Emile Smith Rowe, who is also recovering from an injury, return to action at their best.
"We have to make sure that when they come back they are at their best as well," Arteta said. "We don't want to rush them, but at the same time the team needs them because at the moment we are missing some key, key players."
The last time Partey played for Arsenal was against Manchester City, and he has only featured in five games across all competitions this season without scoring a goal.
It remains uncertain if Thomas Partey will be fit for the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) in January.