Arsenal's Thomas Partey facing weeks out after undergoing thigh procedure, Bukayo Saka doubtful for Burnley
Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta hopes Thomas Partey will be out for weeks rather than months after the midfielder underwent a procedure to treat a "significant" thigh injury.
Partey has been limited to four Premier League appearances this season and has not featured at all since coming on as a second-half substitute in the 1-0 win over Manchester City a month ago.
The 30-year-old, who also struggled with a groin problem earlier this season, picked up his current injury in training ahead of Arsenal's Champions League away game against Sevilla.
"He is progressing really well but it was a significant injury," said Arteta at his press conference on Friday.
"I said that hopefully it's going to be weeks and not months and he's working towards that. He needs support. Hopefully the injury will heal in the right way and we'll have him back because he is a big player for us."
Arteta also confirmed Emile Smith Rowe will miss the Burnley game as he continues his recovery from a knee problem, while a host of others, including Bukayo Saka, Martin Odegaard, Eddie Nketiah and Gabriel Jesus, are racing to be fit for the game.
"We have a few still in contention," he said. "We need to give them another 24 hours to give them a chance to be involved in the game, but we won't know anything until tomorrow."
Saka hurt his ankle during Wednesday's Champions League win against Sevilla but Arteta did not rule him out against Burnley despite confirming he was unable to train on Thursday.
"Hopefully not," he said when asked if Saka will have to withdraw from the England squad for the second consecutive international break. "We want our players to play for the club and their national teams.
"B had to leave the pitch (against Sevilla) because he was in quite a
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