Thomas Partey injury: Arsenal midfielder set for scan as Gunners face anxious wait after Man City loss

Arsenal midfielder Thomas Partey will have an MRI scan over the weekend after coming off injured against Manchester City on Friday night.

Partey received a knock to his ribs during the first half of the Gunners’ 1-0 FA Cup defeat at the Etihad Stadium on Friday night and was taken off at the break, replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga.

Manager Mikel Arteta said Arsenal did not want to “take any risks” with Partey in so much discomfort that he could not continue.

The Ghana international will now go for a scan at the weekend to learn the extent of any possible damage, with Arsenal hoping for the best.

“He felt something and we didn’t want to take any risks, so he could not continue,” said Arteta.

“He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse, so he could not continue. He wasn’t comfortable to continue.

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

Arsenal already wanted to sign a midfielder before the transfer window closes on Tuesday night before Partey's possible injury, as Mohamed Elneny is currently out with a knee problem.

The possibility of Partey being injured too only adds to that need and Arsenal are in talks with Brighton over a deal for Moises Caicedo.

The Gunners have had an opening bid of £60million rejected, but negotiations will continue over the weekend.

Caicedo is pushing for the move and has posted about his desire to leave Brighton on social media, however the club’s public stance is that he is not for sale this month.

“You know that I am not going to comment on any players until anything is done, and I will continue like that,” said Arteta.

Asked if Arsenal hope to be busy in the next couple of days, he said: “As I said before, we have been pretty active in the market.

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

Losing Partey impacted Arsenal against City, with Pep Guardiola’s side wrestling control in midfield and Nathan Ake scoring the only goal of the game.

“Well we have at the moment the injury of Mo that has not been possible to get him fit,” said Arteta.

“Sambi has come in and I think he has done well as well. It’s true that Thomas is a big influence and is a big personality and an important player in our squad.”