LONDON, ENGLAND - NOVEMBER 30: Thomas Partey of Arsenal arrives at the stadium prior to the Premier League match between West Ham United FC and Arsenal FC at London Stadium on November 30, 2024 in London, England. (Photo by Stuart MacFarlane/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Thomas Partey missed Arsenal’s 5-2 win against West Ham (Getty)
Arsenal have confirmed that Thomas Partey suffered a muscle injury before their 5-2 victory over West Ham on Saturday.
The midfielder was one of Arsenal’s standout performers in their 5-1 win against Sporting CP in the Champions League on Tuesday night and was expected to keep his place in the side for the team’s trip to the London Stadium this weekend.
Partey did travel with Arsenal’s squad for Saturday’s late kick off but he was not named on the bench as Mikel Arteta’s side registered another impressive display against the Hammers.
Mikel Merino, who came on as a second half substitute in the win against Sporting, also missed Arsenal’s victory over West Ham due to a knee issue.
‘Unfortunately they both picked up injuries,’ Arteta said before kick off.
‘The game came too early and they couldn’t be part of the squad.’
LISBON, PORTUGAL - NOVEMBER 26: Mikel Merino of Arsenal during the UEFA Champions League 2024/25 League Phase MD5 match between Sporting Clube de Portugal and Arsenal FC at Estadio Jose Alvalade on November 26, 2024 in Lisbon, Portugal. (Photo by David Price/Arsenal FC via Getty Images)
Mikel Merino missed Arsenal’s win over West Ham due to a knee issue (Getty)
Speaking after his side’s win, Arteta revealed that both Partey and Merino were ruled out after Friday’s training session.
‘The team is flowing, the energy is there, a lot of quality, you have to play the game in different ways today, we’ve done it,’ Arteta said.
‘We had to make changes and everybody comes in, we lost big players again yesterday, nobody is really affected. Jorginho comes in, he was outstanding I think, Jakub has to come in at half time, the same, Alex, very good.
‘Now we’ve got some momentum, the energy is high, enjoy tonight, watch a beautiful game of football tomorrow, get ready to go again on Wednesday.’
Arsenal will now host Manchester United at the Emirates Stadium on Wednesday evening.
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