Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has stressed the significance of Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey to the team when he's in good health.
Partey is currently sidelined with a muscle injury, and Arteta expressed uncertainty about the duration of his absence.
During a pre-game press conference ahead of Arsenal's fourth-round Carabao Cup clash with West Ham United at the London Stadium, the Spanish manager acknowledged that Partey's injury situation is a major concern.
Partey's time at the Emirates Stadium has been marred by injuries, affecting Arsenal's performance in the latter part of the previous season as they pursued their first English Premier League title in 19 years.
In an effort to bolster the defensive midfield position, Arsenal signed former West Ham United defensive midfielder Declan Rice during the recent offseason. Arteta suggested that this move was motivated by the need for additional cover due to Partey's injury history.
Arteta mentioned, "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."
Meanwhile, fellow Ghanaian midfielder Mohammed Kudus is set to feature for West Ham in Wednesday's game.
