Tottenham Hotspur have received a potential boost ahead of the North London Derby next Sunday, with Mikel Arteta confirming that Thomas Partey is not expected to be fit in time for the clash.
Tottenham go into the derby game in brilliant form, currently sitting at the top of the table after scooping four points against Man City and Chelsea.
Meanwhile, Arsenal have endured a poor start to the season, as they sit in 14th place following their 2-1 defeat to Wolves on Sunday.
The Gunners have not found the back of the net in open play in any of their last six league matches, while Tottenham have conceded just one goal in their last five.
Arsenal have now been hit with another major blow, with Arteta revealing that Partey will not be fit for the clash.
The midfielder, who was signed on transfer deadline day, was originally thought to have picked up a minor thigh injury but Arteta confirmed on Sunday that the Ghanian international will miss the next few games.
The Arsenal boss told The Daily Mail: “He had an injury very early in the game [against Aston Villa], he wanted to continue the second half.
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“We knew it was a significant injury. He’s done very well and he’s working very hard, he wants to be available.
“Hopefully we can get him back soon but it’s an area we need to be careful and we need to be protective with the player.
“I don’t think he will be with us in the next few games.”
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