Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that concerns about the seriousness of Thomas Partey’s hip injury led to him being replaced at half-time against Manchester City on Friday night.

The Ghanaian international did not come out after the interval at the Etihad, with Albert Sambi Lokonga taking his place, and when asked about Partey’s situation following the 1-0 defeat, Arteta said:

“He felt something and we didn’t want to take any risks, so he could not continue. He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse, so he could not continue. He wasn’t comfortable to continue. Obviously tomorrow [Saturday], the day after he will have to have an MRI scan and see what he has.”

As we don’t know the results of the scan yet, it is hard to know how long Partey will be out for but, with the league game versus City only a couple of weeks away, fans will be concerned.

Mohamed Elneny is already out injured and Lokonga hardly covered himself in glory with his second half performance during the loss in the FA Cup, so Partey’s absence will be keenly felt.

It could force Arsenal into signing another midfielder before the transfer window closes on Tuesday, with Brighton’s Moises Caicedo the most likely addition.