Arsenal manager manager Mikel Arteta claims that injury to Thomas Partey and Jurrien Timber “spoiled their season“. Arsenal currently stand fourth in the Premier League Table and Mikel must be worried now.
Owing to the injuries, the Gunners lack quality on their bench. Speaking ahead of the FA Cup clash, the Spanish manager mourns over the poor performance of the club at times so far. Though, there were speculations of potential return in January for Thomas.
The Ghanaian international has missed 11 games for Arsenal this season. Now, Arteta confirms that Partey will not be returning this month.
Meanwhile, Timber only saw 50 minutes of Premier League action after his £40m move from Ajax last summer. He suffered a knee injury in his first game for the club and has been out of action since.
“It was a huge blow. Everyone could see from day one what he was going to bring to the team. The versatility, the quality, the leadership. And an ability that we did not have in the backline.
It was a huge blow, as well, losing Thomas. We had other plans as well with him, to become very versatile and unpredictable in our way of playing. We have them in the building, which is a joy. But we have not had them on the field as much as we wanted.”
Arsenal are in the winter transfer market in the hunt of a midfielder and a striker. One of the most prominent names linked with the club was Douglas Luiz.
Though a pursuit for him might be difficult as Villa will not let him leave. Another name in rumours with the Gunners is Ivan Toney for strike option. If Arsenal going to explode the second half of season, they must make some reinforcements in the squad.
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