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The severity or cause of Partey’s injury remains officially unknown, and Arteta was anything but lippy about sharing details in the post-match conference.
Arsenal’s Thomas Partey (AP)
The injury bug continues to bite down hard on Arsenal, as the Mikel Arteta-coached Premier League side lost midfielder Thomas Partey to injury on Saturday, less than a week away from their UCL clash against Real Madrid.
Partey put Arsenal ahead against Brentford at the Emirates on Saturday only for Yoane Wissa to find the equalizer 13 minutes later to help Brentford muster a draw.
Arsenal’s draw means Liverpool will extend their lead to 13 points if they beat West Ham at Anfield on Sunday, with just 18 points to play for across the remaining six matches.
Although Premier League hopes have almost slipped away from Arteta’s hands, Arsenal do hold the upper hand in the Champions League, mustering a magical 3-0 win against 15-time winners Real Madrid last week.
But, the Gunners will now have to make do without the utility of Partey, who was subbed off with 20 minutes left during his clash against Brentford.
The severity or cause of Partey’s injury remains officially unknown, and Arteta was anything but lippy about sharing details in the post-match conference.
“Thomas Partey felt something so we didn’t want to take any risks. We don’t know I haven’t spoken to the doctors yet,” Arteta replied promptly.
“Something,” he added when pried about the nature of the injury.
Partey’s possible omission from this coming Wednesday will be a big blow to Arsenal, who will be counting on holding off the notorious Madrid at the Santiago Bernabeu to hopefully clinch their place in the semi-final.
A freekick masterclass from Declan Rice followed by makeshift striker Mikel Merino’s deft finish helped the London side build what most believe to be an unassailable lead in the first leg of the UCL quarterfinal against Los Blancos.
But, Arteta knows far too well to count out Real Madrid, who have mustered a knack of staging sensational comebacks in the most dire of situations in the coveted Champions League: a tournament that they have dominated in the past decade, having won it 6 times in just the past decade.
Arsenal will take on Real Madrid in the second leg of the UCL quarterfinal at the Santiago Bernabeu on Wednesday, April 9.
