Arsenal have suffered some injury problems with their players who are away on international duty with their national teams.
Thomas Partey was set to start for Ghana in an international friendly against Brazil on Friday but was forced to withdraw after picking up an injury during the warm-up. The Ghana football federation have not disclosed more information on his fitness, but it will come as a huge concern for Mikel Arteta as his team gears up to face Tottenham Hotspur next weekend.
Some reports have emerged suggesting that the 29-year-old’s last-minute withdrawal was just a precaution. The midfielder has already missed three games for the Gunners this season due to a knee injury. He had just recovered and was part of the starting line-up that beat Brentford last Sunday.
Takehiro Tomiyasu was also withdrawn from his national team’s squad. The Japan Football Association have confirmed that he will return to London Colney immediately. They have not revealed any fitness issues, but have stated that the return was due to ‘club circumstances’. The Japanese international is yet to start a game for Arsenal this campaign.
Meanwhile, Oleksandr Zinchenko is unavailable for Ukraine’s Nations League fixtures due to a calf injury. He has remained in north London to undergo treatment in a bid to return to fitness before the pivotal Derby next weekend.
Arsenal Fever View:
Partey’s Arsenal career has been plagued with injuries. Since his deadline day transfer to the English capital in 2020, he has missed 19 Premier League games due to fitness issues. After returning to the squad just last week, he could be set for another spell on the sidelines.
Tomiyasu has also been struggling with fitness issues this campaign. His absence has not hugely impacted the squad because Ben White has done a stellar job in fitting into the right-back role.
Zinchenko has had a great start to life in the English capital. He brings a wealth of experience to a relatively young squad. His composure at the back has solidified the Gunners’ defense. As the 25-year-old is not part of the Ukraine squad for this international break, he will have plenty of time to recover and is expected to start in the north London Derby.
Read More: Paul Merson claims Arsenal star Gabriel Martinelli is a superstar
