Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has emphasised the important role Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey plays in the team when he’s fit.
Partey is out with a muscle injury and Arteta said they don’t know how long he will be sidelined for.
The Spanish manager pointed out that Partey's injury situation has been a "big concern," prompting the club's decision to reinforce the defensive midfield position during the recent offseason.
Arteta made these remarks during a pre-game press conference as Arsenal prepare for a fourth-round Carabao Cup clash against West Ham United at the London Stadium.
Partey's tenure at the Emirates Stadium has been marred by injuries, impacting Arsenal's performance in the latter part of the previous season, as they pursued their first English Premier League title in 19 years.
To bolster the position, Arsenal secured the services of former West Ham United defensive midfielder Declan Rice during the offseason, a move that Arteta suggested was motivated by the need to provide additional protection, considering Partey's injury history.
“Yes it’s a big concern because when Thomas is fit and available and he’s been part of the team, we’ve seen all the results and the impact that he’s had in the team.
“This season we have more protection especially for that reason because we know in the last two seasons what had happened and the impact that he’s had in the team so we had to address that and now it happened and it happens in football.”
Fellow Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus is in line to play for West Ham in Wednesday’s game.