Arsenal lose major player to injury until end of 2023 as talks of an Emirates departure intensify

Arsenal are hoping to bounce back from their defeat to Newcastle United when they take on Europa League holders Sevilla in a difficult Champions League encounter.

The Gunners are without several big names for the big European tie game, including club captain Martin Odegaard, who joins a long list of names on the treatment table including Emile Smith-Rowe, Jurrien Timber, Gabriel Jesus and Thomas Partey.

Odegaard’s absence comes as a blow to the Gunners given his influence on the team, but he and Jesus are expected to return to the lineup in the near future. However, the same cannot be said of defensive midfielder Partey, who faces a much longer period on the sidelines than originally anticipated, according to reports from FourFourTwo.

The versatile Ghanaian star picked up a groin injury during his side's 2-2 draw with Fulham in August, before suffering a further setback after 15 minutes in his comeback game against title rivals Manchester City in October.

The outlet initially claimed that Partey would return from his injury in late October, while new reports now state that the 30-year-old will not return to the field during this calendar year.

Partey was one of Arsenal’s most important players during the title run last season with 33 apperances and his versatility to be able to cover multiple positions such as right back, left back and central midfield, has previously made him an asset to Mikel Arteta’s team.

However, it remains to be seen whether he will play for Arsenal again amid reports of a potential departure by both SkySports News and the Daily Mail. The two publications claim that Partey has told Arteta that he no longer sees a future at Arsenal and adds that he is keen to join Italian giants Juventus as they search for a long-term replacement for the now suspended Paul Pogba.

Pogba faces a two-year ban from football, amid doping allegations, which leaves Juventus short on midfield options as they aim to reclaim the Serie A title.

Partey has previously lifted the La Liga title with Atletico Madrid and his experience at the top level could prove vital to Massimiliano Allegri's hopes of success.