'I wish him a speedy recovery' - key Arsenal recruit could be doubt for Leeds United clash

The Gunners forked out £45m to land the Ghanaian holding midfielder from Atletico Madrid in the summer but Partey picked up a thigh injury in last weekend's 3-0 loss at home to Aston Villa and was taken off at half-time.

Reports now suggest that the injury is not serious with Gunners boss Mikel Arteta saying in the aftermath of the Villa loss that scans would reveal the extent of the injury.

The setback forced Partey to withdraw from representing Ghana during the November international break.

"We don't know (the extent) of it," said Arteta last weekend.

"We have to scan him tomorrow or the day after and see what he felt straight away.

"Let's wait and see what the magnitude of the injury is. The doctor will have to have a look at him and probably scan him. Then we will decide what to do with him."

Arteta said at the time that he was unsure if Partey would consequently head out on international duty with Ghana and the 27-year-old played no part in Thursday's 2-0 victory at home to Sudan in a Africa Cup of Nations qualifier.

Ghana visit Sudan in another Africa Cup of Nations qualifier on Tuesday afternoon.

Speaking on Wednesday, Ghana head coach C.K Akonnor said of Partey: "I wish him a speedy recovery and hope he recovers quickly to join us.

"But of course, it’s an opportunity for other guys to excel.

"If he was here, he would have played, it’s a fact.

"So now that he is not here, it’s an opportunity for those who mostly come and stay on the bench to play and so we will give the next person the chance to do well.

"I will give the necessary support to whoever will play to help us to win."

Partey played the full match of both Arsenal's 1-0 loss at home to Leicester City and 1-0 triumph at Manchester United, the two Premier League games that preceded the Villa clash.

Dani Ceballos took Partey's place after the midfielder went off injured against Villa.

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Thank you Laura Collins