Again, Partey may miss Arsenal’s clash with Aston Villa

West Ham United’s Algerian midfielder Said Benrahma (C) vies with Arsenal’s Ghanaian midfielder Thomas Partey (R) during the English Premier League football match between Arsenal and West Ham United at the Emirates Stadium in London . Ben STANSALL / AFP

Arsenal Manager, Mikel Arteta, has not given a return date for Thomas Partey after the midfielder missed out on Arsenal’s defeat to Manchester City with an injury.

The 29-year-old is now a major doubt to once again be unavailable for the Gunners’ 12:30pm clash at Aston Villa tomorrow – live on talkSPORT.

Prior to Arsenal’s biggest game of the season, Partey was ruled out with a muscular problem on the day of the match.

Partey, who was in attendance at the Emirates to cheer on his teammates, was replaced by January arrival Jorginho in the lone defensive midfield role.

It was the first match that the Ghana international has been unavailable for since Arsenal‘s 3-1 defeat away at Manchester United in September.

Speaking to Amazon Prime prior to kick-off, Arteta said of Partey: “It’s what happens in football. Players pick up injuries.

“Unfortunately, Thomas felt something in his back muscle and he wasn’t available to play today.” And in his post-match press conference, the Spaniard declared he is unsure when the ex-Atletico Madrid man will be back ahead of the trip to Villa.

Pressed for an update on his fitness, Arteta stated: “We don’t know. It’s what happens, it’s part of football.

“I think Jorgi played a good game and we have to assess Tommy to see how bad it is.”

Asked how late did he find out that Partey wouldn’t be able to play against City, Arteta remarked: “Very late. Very, very late.”

A potential spell on the sidelines will be a huge blow for Arsenal, who are in somewhat of a