After being substituted after 45 minutes in Arsenal's last game against Aston Villa in the Premier League, many were worried to hear the newly signed midfielder, Partey, may face some time on the sideline during a period of particular significance to Arsenal's season.

A fresh leak from the close circle of the Ghanian's may allow Gunners fans to sleep well - he SHOULD be fit very soon for the London outfit.

After the terrific collapse in the second half against Aston Villa in their last Premier League outing - Arsenal were dealt a nail in the coffin when Thomas Partey was replaced midway through the game due to injury.

Is he injured?

Following the game, Gunners manager Mikel Arteta did not sound too optimistic when discussing the injury to his key new summer signing.

He told journalists in his post-match press conference that we needed to ''wait and see what the magnitude of the injury is''.

Over the proceeding days after the game against Villa it became clear the injury was one to Thomas Partey's thigh and it happened early in the game.

Footage showed him moving awkwardly after he pressured Emi Martinez in the Villa goal into a nervous clearance.

Many fans were worried that it would be closer to weeks or months on the sideline for their exciting new man but they will be breathing a collective sigh of relief as their highly influential summer signing looks to continue his impressive start to life in north London. 

In the wake of a man of the match display against Manchester United the weekend before at Old Trafford and as he already becomes a stalwart in the Arsenal starting XI; an injury to the midfielder would be bad news with an important run of games to come.

News coming out of the Ghanian's camp is that the ex-Atletico man, although not offering a specific return date, is due to be fit very soon. Whether this means he will be back fit for the game at Elland Road against Leeds United is still in doubt .

The role played by the summer recruit at Old Trafford was vital in their first win away from home against the 'so called' big six since 2015, and Arsenal's first win at the ground since 2006.

His ball winning ability in the middle of the pitch can stifle even the best midfields in the world. As club captain Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang put it, the powerhouse managed to ''lock down three of Manchester United's midfielders''.

Without that presence in their spine - Arsenal may struggle to establish a foothold in the game at Elland Road as they face the energetic midfielders that Marcelo Bielsa drills into intense pressing.

Along with his defensive awareness and strong tackling - the London side will also miss his press-resistance and ability to carry the ball forward with pace and power. There is a distinct lack of this unique quality within the Arsenal ranks.

Upcoming games

The next two away games for the north London side are against two difficult sides. Without the combined technical ability and steel linking the defence and the attack - one would worry they may be left exposed.

Under-pressure manager Arteta will hope Thomas is not out for too long. Games against Leeds, Wolverhampton Wanderers and a ginormous game against fierce rivals Tottenham Hotspur to come - the next 3 matches could define the Spanish coach's season.

With the fresh leak from a source close to the Ghanian that the midfielder will not be out for 'too' long will be a welcomed relief for the newbie manager.

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