Mikel Arteta confirms season ending injury blow to star midfielder amid top four race

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has confirmed Midfielder Thomas Partey is not expected to play again this season despite the Ghanaian posting a picture of himself on the treadmill.

The 28-year-old limped off during the 3-0 defeat to Crystal Palace at Selhurst and despite looking like making grounds on his recovery- manager Mikel Arteta says it’s almost impossible to see him back in action this season.

“He’s progressing but he had a significant injury so we don’t expect him to make significant progress enough to see him again this season,” Areta told reporters ahead of the game against West Ham this weekend.

Arsenal are gunning down top four and they are in a tight race with Tottenham who they face on May 12 for what is the most anticipated North London derby in recent times.

But first Arteta’s men have to take on a wounded West Ham United side who just lost their Europa League semi-final clash against Eintracht Frankfurt.

The Hammers also lost their last league game against Chelsea and come into this one with a raft of injuries and suspension that leaves them with Kurt Zouma as their.only fit central defender. Craig Dawson was sent off against Chelsea both Issa Diop and Angelo Ogbonna are on the treatment table.

Arsenal though won’t mind as they have to continue winning and hope that their direct rivals slip at some point.

There was also good news for the Gunners with manager Mikel Arteta confirming that forward Bukayo Saka who appeared to have picked up a knock in the win  against Manchester United was fit and would be available against West Ham this weekend.

He added: “ Yes, hopefully he is fine. He had some issues in the final part of the game but he has recovered well and we expect him to be fine.”