Mikel Arteta gives an injury update on Thoma Partey after the Arsenal midfielder had to be substituted in the FA Cup defeat by Man City

MIKEL ARTETA says Thomas Partey will have an MRI scan after limping during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat at Manchester City.

The Premier League leaders were knocked out of contention as Nathan Ake sealed a 1-0 win for his closest title rivals.

2

2

The Gunners suffered a major scare, however, when their influential Ghanaian midfielder, 29, suffered a blow to the ribs during the opening period.

Partey was substituted at the break and replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga.

And afterwards, his manager admitted he “didn’t want to take any chances” with his star.

Arteta said: “He felt something and we didn’t want to take any chances, so he couldn’t continue.

“He had some ailments and it was getting worse and worse so he couldn’t continue. He was uncomfortable going on.

“Obviously he needs to have an MRI tomorrow, the day after tomorrow and see what he has.”

Arteta will now have to wait anxiously to discover the extent of the damage, especially as fellow midfielder Mohamed Elneny is also sidelined with a knee problem.

Arsenal have tried to bring reinforcements into the middle of the park to bolster that transfer window and Brighton have turned down an opening bid for Moises Caicedo.

FREE BETS AND SIGN UP OFFERS – THE BEST DEALS FOR NEW CUSTOMERS

The 21-year-old Ecuador World Cup ace has now pleaded with the Seagulls via a bombshell social media post that talks between the two clubs are set to continue.

When asked about a move for Caicedo, Arteta added: “You know I will not comment on any players until everything is done and I will continue like this.

“As I said before, we have been quite active in the market.

“We have some necessities and if something else is available the club are willing to try that if it’s reasonable and hopefully it’s a player who can improve our squad.”