Mikel Arteta issued a double injury update on Thomas Partey and Emile Smith Rowe ahead of Arsenal's Champions League clash with Lens on Wednesday.
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Partey struggling with a thigh injurySmith Rowe out with a knee issueBoth players are long-term absentees for ArsenalWHAT HAPPENED?
The Gunners are going through a mini-injury crisis as several first-team players are in the treatment room. Partey has played just 15 minutes for Arsenal since August and had to undergo a procedure for a "significant" thigh injury earlier in November to speed up his return. Meanwhile, Smith Rowe has a knee injury which has kept him out of action since the end of October.
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Before facing Lens in the Champions League, Arteta was asked if the duo would be back before the post-FA Cup third-round break. Answering that question, the Spaniard told reporters: "It is a possibility but it will depend on how they evolve. Emile has already been on the pitch, doing some jogging. I don’t know weeks-wise how long it’s going to take. Emile is a quick healer. Thomas is the same. They are both going to push but we have to make sure when they come back they are at their best as well. We don’t want to rush them but the team needs them because at the moment we are missing some key, key players as well."
GettyTHE BIGGER PICTURE
Fabio Vieira has also undergone surgery to rectify a groin issue and could be potentially out for a few weeks. This has left Arteta thin on resources in midfield. Moreover, Jurrien Timber is nursing an ACL injury that he sustained on his Premier League debut against Nottingham Forest which could potentially rule him out for the entire season.
GettyWHAT NEXT FOR PARTEY AND SMITH ROWE?
While Smith Rowe could be back in action in late December, it is believed that Partey would take a bit more time and could return in early January. However, in the short term, both players will miss Arsenal's next fixture against Lens in the Champions League on Wednesday evening at the Emirates Stadium.