Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe injury latest as Arsenal boosted ahead of Aston Villa trip

Arsenal are sweating on the fitness of Thomas Partey for Saturday’s Premier League match at Villa Park.

The 29-year-old remains doubtful for the game and LondonWorld understands that he will undergo further assessment before the squad travel to Birmingham.

Partey sustained a muscular injury in the final training session ahead of Arsenal’s clash against Manchester City and was replaced in the starting XI by new signing Jorginho.

"It's what happens in football,” said Arteta when asked about Partey’s injury.

“Players pick up injuries and unfortunately Thomas [Partey] felt something in his back muscle.

"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."

Meanwhile, Emile Smith Rowe is edging closer to a return to full fitness after being limited to just five league appearances this season.

The 22-year-old has been plagued with an ongoing groin issue since the start of the campaign, but a minor thigh problem was the reason for his omission in the recent FA Cup fourth round defeat to Manchester City.

Arsenal have also been boosted by the return of Reiss Nelson to full fitness.

Nelson was on the substitutes bench for the 3-1 defeat to City and will be part of the travelling squad for Saturday’s game against Villa.

Gabriel Jesus, however, is still several weeks away from being involved.