Arsenal stars Thomas Partey, Mikel Merino, Riccardo Calafiori and Gabriel Magalhaes
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Arsenal have been dealt a significant setback just an hour before their Premier League showdown with West Ham United in the London derby, as key midfielders Thomas Partey and Mikel Merino were excluded from the squad due to suspected injuries.
The team lineup revealed their absence, with Kieran Tierney making his first Premier League matchday squad of the season. Mikel Arteta has opted to pair Jorginho and Declan Rice in midfield, with the Italian earning a starting spot after an impressive performance against Nottingham Forest last weekend.
Partey is sidelined due to a muscle issue, which aligns with Arteta’s earlier comments about fitness concerns within the squad. Speaking on Friday, Arteta hinted that some players might miss the match after being unable to train.
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“Not a lot because we have another training session, we have to see how the boys are today,” Arteta said. “A few weren’t able to train yesterday, but hopefully today, so we have to wait and see.”
🚨BREAKING: Thomas Partey misses the game against West Ham due to a muscle injury. pic.twitter.com/RNfr18wS1R
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) November 30, 2024
Arsenal confirmed in a statement that Merino is unavailable due to a knee problem. The Spanish international made an impact off the bench in the midweek 5-1 win over Sporting CP, with his shot leading to Leandro Trossard’s goal.
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“Mikel Merino (knee issue) and Thomas Partey (muscle issue) both miss out on tonight’s fixture,” Arsenal said in a statement on Saturday.
Despite his injury, Partey reportedly travelled with the squad to the London Stadium, though he remains absent from the matchday squad.
🚨Mikel Merino misses the game against West Ham with a knee issue which has prevented him from training this week. pic.twitter.com/lQaXw7EbzF
— now.arsenal (@now_arsenaI) November 30, 2024
The injuries leave Arsenal’s midfield options thin as they prepare for a challenging week. The Gunners face Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday, and another London derby on Sunday against Fulham at Craven Cottage.
Arsenal will hope both Partey and Merino recover swiftly. Without them, Jorginho may face a heavier workload in the coming fixtures, testing the depth of Arteta’s squad during a crucial stretch of the season.
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