Mikel Arteta: Arsenal star may not play again this season

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that midfielder Thomas Partey may not play again for the club this term.

The Ghana international picked up a groin injury during the 3-0 Premier League defeat against Crystal Palace.

He has subsequently missed the next four league games. Arteta has now ruled him out for the rest of the campaign.

He told Arsenal.com: "He's progressing but he had a significant injury, a recurring injury as well, so we don’t expect him to make progress that quickly to see him this season, but hopefully I am wrong."

Albert Sambi Lokonga initially played in the absence of Partey, but over the previous two games, Mohamed Elneny has taken over the role.

The Egypt international has been excellent alongside Granit Xhaka in midfield during the wins over Chelsea and Manchester United.

He is widely expected to continue in the centre of the park. The Gunners travel to the London Stadium to face West Ham United on Sunday.

They will be hoping to extend their two-point lead over Tottenham Hotspur in the pursuit of the final Champions League group stage spot.