Arsenal manager Mikel Arteta has given an update on midfielder, Thomas Partey, confirming that the player is still not fit to return to action due to a setback in training.

This means Partey will not be included in the squad for the upcoming Premier League clash against Liverpool.

After a prolonged absence of two and a half months due to a muscle injury sustained in October, Partey recently resumed training with the first team.

Arsenal had initially hinted at his potential involvement in their Premier League match against Nottingham Forest, but a recent setback has dashed those hopes.

Arteta, addressing the media at the pre-match press conference, stated, “Thomas Partey had a little setback a few days ago, unfortunately, he’s not available. Whether it is a matter of days or weeks, we will see. He felt something again in a very similar area and he wasn’t able to train the last few days.”

The Ghana international had missed significant playing time, including Ghana’s campaign in the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON), where they exited at the group stage. Despite the setback, Arsenal remains optimistic about Partey’s recovery.