Mikel Arteta confirms Thomas Partey will undergo MRI scan on injury

Mikel Arteta has revealed that Thomas Partey is set to undergo an MRI scan after being forced off through injury against Manchester City.

The midfielder started the FA Cup game against the Etihad Stadium on Friday but was withdrawn at half time, with Albert Sambi Lokonga replacing him in midfield.

Partey has been a vital part of an Arsenal side that are five points clear at the top of the Premier League table, but has a history of injury issues and his latest blow could spell disaster for the Gunners.

Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has revealed that Thomas Partey will undergo an MRI scan

The Gunners boss (right) also refused to rule out replacing Partey in the transfer market

Arteta said after Friday’s game: ‘He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse.

‘He was uncomfortable to continue. (Saturday) or the day after he will have an MRI scan and see what he has.

‘We have at the moment the injury of Mo (Elneny). It is not possible to get him fit. Sambi has come in and has done well. It is true Thomas is a big influence and a big personality and in the second half we didn’t have him.’

The Spaniard refused to rule out the possibility of the club dipping into the transfer market to replace Partey and help solve his midfield injury crisis.

Midfielder Mohamed Elneny (centre) is currently missing from the squad with a long-term injury issue

Arsenal have had a £60million for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo rejected by the Seagulls

Via the Evening Standard, he said: ‘We have some necessities and if something else is available, the club is willing to try to do it when it is reasonable and hopefully it’s a player that can improve our squad.’

Arsenal had a £60million bid rejected for Brighton midfielder Moises Caicedo earlier this week, with Brighton trying to hold out for £80m. Chelsea have also had a bid rejected, worth £55million.

Caicedo appeared to beg Brighton to leave the club in a social media post on Friday evening, thanking the fans and board for their appreciation during his stay.

It read: ‘I am grateful to Mr Bloom and Brighton for giving me the chance to come to the Premier League and I feel I have always done my best for them. I always play football with a smile and with heart.

‘I am the youngest of 10 siblings form a poor upbringing in Santa Domingo in Ecuador. My dream always to be the most decorated player in the history of Ecuador.

‘I am proud to be able to bring in a record transfer fee for Brighton which would allow them to reinvest it and help the club continue to be successful.

‘The fans have taken me into their hearts and they will always be in my heart so I hope they can understand why I want to take up this magnificent opportunity.’

Midfielder Caicedo has appeared to say goodbye to Brighton fans in a bizarre Instagram post

The 21-year-old expressed his desire to leave Brighton in a social media post on Friday evening

Brighton are yet to accept a bid for the Ecuadorian, but Arsenal and Chelsea remain interested.

Arteta went onto express his disappointment at his side exiting the FA Cup at the fourth round after losing 1-0 to City.

He told ITV: ‘Really disappointed. I think we could have got much more out of the game. The action decided the game but it was a tight game and that one action changed it all. I think we could have dealt with it much better in terms of our discipline when the ball was in the box.

‘We had big situations in the game and we didn’t put them away. We can take a lot of positives, I think the way we approached the game and competed. It is really difficult to win against this team but we went head to head with them.

‘In the big moments, in big matches you have the make the difference. That is how you win these games.’