Mikel Arteta explains Thomas Partey and Ben White absences for Arsenal vs Man City

Mikel Arteta has confirmed an injury to Thomas Partey left him unavailable for tonight's massive Premier League clash against Manchester City.

Arteta's Arsenal welcome City to the Emirates in a potentially season-defining clash for both and the first league meeting between the two this campaign. Pep Guardiola's side would go top of the table on goal difference with a win, albeit the Gunners will have a game in hand.

And the current leaders suffered a massive blow in the build-up with reports that defensive midfielder Partey would be absent through injury. The Ghanian international has been pivotal to Arsenal's success this campaign, featuring in 18 of their 21 top-flight matches.

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Arteta was forced to introduce the experienced Jorginho into midfield, but with the Italian only signing in January it presents a big risk for the North London side.

"It’s what happens in football, players get injuries," Arteta told Prime video of Partey's injury before the game. "Unfortunately he felt something in his back muscle and he wasn’t available to play today.

"We brought him [Jorginho] here for these occasions because this was a possibility and we planned for that. Jorginho has the opportunity today."

With Arsenal's line-up rarely altered too much all season, it was also surprising to see Ben White on the bench. The former Brighton man has played a part in all 21 league games at right-back this season and has been a major part of their defensive solidity.

But for the welcoming of City to the Emirates, Arteta opted to start Japanese international Takehiro Tomiyasu - a decision the Spaniard put down to his adaptability.

The Gunners boss added: "Tomi [Tomiyasu] deserves