Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has raised concerns about a potentially serious ankle injury sustained by key midfielder Thomas Partey during a 2-1 pre-season defeat to Chelsea in the Mind Series tournament on August 1, 2021, at Emirates Stadium.
Partey, injured in a clash with Chelsea’s Hakim Ziyech, was forced off the pitch in pain, an unusual occurrence for the resilient Ghanaian. Arteta told reporters, “I just had a talk with the doctor. He’ll have a scan on Monday.
At the moment it’s not looking good because he was in pain and he could not continue which for Thomas is pretty unusual.”
Impact on Arsenal’s Midfield
Partey, a linchpin in Arsenal’s midfield since his £45 million move from Atlético Madrid in October 2020, is critical to the Gunners’ hopes for the 2021-22 Premier League season, set to begin on August 13 against Brentford.
His potential absence could disrupt Arteta’s plans, especially after a challenging 2020-21 season where Arsenal finished eighth.
With Partey sidelined, Arteta confirmed Granit Xhaka, previously linked with a move to Roma, will stay, providing some stability.
Other midfield options include Mohamed Elneny, new signing Albert Sambi Lokonga, Joe Willock, and Lucas Torreira, but none match Partey’s blend of defensive solidity and playmaking.
Transfer Market Implications
The injury, pending the scan’s results, may force Arsenal to adjust their transfer strategy in the window, open until August 31, 2021.
Previously linked with midfielders like Wolves’ Rúben Neves, Sassuolo’s Manuel Locatelli, and Lyon’s Bruno Guimarães, the Gunners may prioritize a central midfielder over their reported targets of an attacking midfielder and striker.
The club’s transfer activity, including a £50 million move for Brighton’s Ben White, reflects their ambition, but Partey’s injury could strain their £250 million squad rebuild budget, already impacted by Covid-19’s financial toll, with global sports revenue losses estimated at $18 billion in 2021.
Partey’s Importance and Context
Partey’s leadership was evident in his 24 Premier League appearances in 2020-21, despite earlier injury setbacks. Posts on X in 2021 highlighted fans’ concerns, with one noting, “Partey’s absence could derail our season before it starts.”
Ghana’s football scene, buoyed by talents like Andre Ayew, faces added pressure with Partey’s injury, especially after the nation introduced vaccination mandates for stadium access amid the Omicron variant’s emergence.
Arsenal’s next pre-season match against Tottenham on August 8 offers a chance to test midfield alternatives, but Arteta will hope for positive scan results to avoid a crisis before the season opener.
