Arteta Confirms Partey Injury Scare in Arsenal’s FA Cup Loss to Man City

• Arsenal bowed out of the FA Cup with a 1-0 loss to Manchester City at the Etihad Stadium
• Dutch defender Nathan Ake produced the winning moment in the second half
• The concern for Arsenal fans was star midfielder Thomas Partey getting substituted at half time

The first meeting of the season between Manchester City and Arsenal at the Etihad stadium did not quite hit the height that would have been expected by fans of the two teams.

Nathan Ake produced the winning goal after Julian Alvarez long range shot came off the foot of the post, the defender was played in Jack Grealish and he slotted it home on his weaker right foot.

Arsenal's late surge could not produce results but more worrying for the Gunners fans was the substitution of star midfielder Thomas Partey at halftime, which was later confirmed by Goal to be a precaution.

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Arteta confirms Partey injury concern

Fans were anxious as to why the Ghanaian defender was brought at halftime and replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga, many initial called it a rest for him, but with the game still at 0-0 it made no sense.

Speaking after the game as quoted by Metro UK, the Gunners boss confirmed it was due to an injury, however could not give an initial diagnosis and a scan would be needed.

‘He felt something and we didn’t want to take any risks. He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse. He wasn’t comfortable to continue. Obviously tomorrow, the day after he will have to have an MRI scan and see what he has,’ said Arteta.

The only league game Arsenal have lost this season to Manchester United was the one Partey missed, exemplifying his importance to the team.

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Fans reaction to the news

The fans were concerned about their title race as the former Atletico Madrid man is a vital member of the team pushing to win the first title in 19 years.

@Hardturm_1886 wrote:

No Partey, no title. He’s the engine part that makes everything tick. Without him the team’s not the same.

@RossBhela16 tweeted:

Shows why we need Squad depth. The Caicedo deal will really show us if the Kroenke's are serious about Arsenal now. Because Party has picked up an injury it looks like. It make or break for the Kroenke's

@IamMrEze wrote:

Arsenal Hmmmm, Arteta Sambi Lokonga is not an option, do not risk it, it will not payoff, buy DM

@hitscharming wrote:

This doesn't sound good at all. Kinda worries now. I hope it's nothing and he'll be fit

@amSamtastic wrote:

Partey is not injured, not even close to a scratch... January transfer window is closing and the team needs a good DM who will think he's going to have enough play time ... Nice move by Arteta to convince any DM to sign for Arsenal

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Arsenal submitted a bid of £60m for Brighton defensive midfielder Moises Caicedo on Thursday but it was immediately rejected, as reported by Athletic UK.

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Sports Brief earlier reported that Moises Caicedo released an emotional statement asking Brighton to let him go after the club turned down a bid from Arsenal.

However, it would not be a straight deal for Arsenal, as it would be between them and rivals Chelsea who also had an offer of £55m turned down by the Seagulls.

Chelsea have gotten the better of Arsenal already this window in the transfer battle over Mykhailo Mudryk which Chelsea won for £89m.