Arsenal’s Thomas Partey did not play in Ghana’s 1-0 win over South Africa yesterday. The Black Stars were hoping to have the 28-year-old available for the game but he remains in London getting treatment on an injury.
The midfielder picked up a groin problem before the 1-0 victory against Watford and, while the Gunners are still hopeful that he’ll be available for the Liverpool match this weekend, fans on Twitter are not so optimistic:
Hello darkness my old friend
— Arun Munagala (@arun_munagala) November 12, 2021
He has to be fit for the liverpool game
— S'saba (@e_masaba) November 12, 2021
Made of glass
— AFCEA (@AFCEA7) November 12, 2021
Would suggest perhaps more seriously injured than the initial “tight groin” as per Watford game.
— Niall Hollywood (@hollywood_niall) November 12, 2021
Another partey injury as soon as we start cooking with our squad. Not looking forward to Liverpool pic.twitter.com/noJl9VNBeg
— KevinoLatino (@KevinoLatino) November 12, 2021
*AMN
— Royal Bengal Tiger 🇮🇳 (@GoonerTiger20) November 13, 2021
I know there is a low chance of beating Liverpool but if partey is out then we definitely can't win.
— Jonny0548 (@Jonatha87061793) November 13, 2021
This guy is made out of cheese, need to upgrade with Kessie
— ★ 𝘈𝘑 ★🏴🔴⚪️ (@RedAndWhiteAlex) November 12, 2021
Partey’s injury record since arriving from Atletico Madrid for £45m has been rather shocking. This is the sixth time he has been sidelined over a thirteen-month period.
Even if he does make it for the trip to Anfield, the Ghanaian international won’t have played for three weeks, raising questions over whether to risk him, knowing full well he would probably not last the 90 minutes.
With Granit Xhaka also sidelined, manager Mikel Arteta may have to rely on Albert Sambi Lokonga and Ainsley Maitland-Niles for the clash against the Reds.