Arsenal sweating on Thomas Partey as it emerges he missed Ghana’s clash with Angola because of injury
ARSENAL fans have been left in a panic after Thomas Partey was ruled out of Ghana's clash with Angola through injury.
The Gunners midfielder, 29, started the Black Stars' 1-0 win over Angola on Thursday.
They then faced Angola for a second time in four days on Monday, playing out a 1-1 draw.
But Partey did not feature in the game as manager Chris Hughton confirmed afterwards it was due to a fitness issue.
He said: "Thomas has a small injury issue and we felt it was too big of a risk to start him."
Arsenal sent club physiotherapist Simon Murphy to monitor Partey while he was away on international duty.
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It comes in the wake of recent injury issues for the ex-Atletico Madrid man.
And some Gunners supporters are furious at yet another setback as they worry it could hamper their Premier League title push.
One said: "I honestly had a problem with him leaving. He’s not the type to stay away from these injuries. We barely had him all season. It’s frustrating how Arsenal's top players always have these issues."
While another added: "Why am I not surprised? Every international break he’s always picking up something."
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But others feel his absence from Ghana's second game of the international break was actually a ploy by Arsenal and Mikel Arteta.
One replied: "Guys chill, Arsenal's physio didn't just follow Partey all the way to Africa to have fun. Arteta obviously had a plan and we have just seen it unfold.
"Partey to start the Leeds match and score a long range goal as well 😂."
And a second fan responded: "Arteta made that call. Not worried."
Arsenal resume their title charge with an eight-point advantage over Manchester City.
They host Leeds at the Emirates on Saturday, before games against Liverpool, West Ham, Southampton, Man City and Chelsea.