Mikel Arteta provides fresh Thomas Partey injury update

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has said that Thomas Partey is making good recovery from his thigh injury, but does not believe he will be fit to face Liverpool before Christmas.

The Ghanaian has not played for the Gunners for the several weeks and his absence has been felt in certain games. He is expected to miss the Aston Villa trip tomorrow and Arteta has said that he is still far from a comeback.

Speaking to reporters today, the Spanish tactician revealed that the recovery is going well but he was unsure whether he would be fit for the key trip to Anfield before the New Year.

He said: "He is getting a very good evolution in the injury, but it’s a bit early to get a timeframe. That will be incredibly fast if he is able to do that (be back for Liverpool), so we are going to have to wait."

Arsenal are currently top of the Premier League with 36 points, two ahead of Liverpool and four in front of Villa whom they face on the road in tomorrow's evening kick-off.