Is Thomas Partey fit to face Manchester City? Arsenal midfielder trains ahead of Premier League showdown but expected to miss out through injury

Arsenal will need to be at their best to end their horror Premier League losing run against Manchester City but are without one of their most influential players.

The Gunners haven’t beaten the reigning champions in the top-flight since December 2015 and another defeat would see them concede top spot for the first time in four months.

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Partey first suffered an injury in the FA Cup meeting with City

Mikel Arteta is yet to earn so much as a Premier League point against his former employers since swapping City for Arsenal.

And should he change his fortunes at the Emirates then he will need his side to be at full strength.

Arteta has named the same XI the most out of every Premier League manager this season but he has had to change things.

Is Thomas Partey fit to face Manchester City?

Partey was substituted at half-time in the club’s FA Cup fourth-round defeat at City just over two weeks ago.

Arteta said: “He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse.

“He was uncomfortable to continue. (Saturday) or the day after he will have an MRI scan and see what he has.”

Arteta added: “It is true Thomas is a big influence and a big personality and in the second half we didn’t have him.”

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Partey trained ahead of the Premier League fixture with City

Initial prognosis of Partey’s problem suggested it wasn’t as serious as first thought.

He has since featured in the 1-0 defeat to Everton and then the full 90 minutes in the 1-1 draw with Brentford.

The Ghanaian was pictured in training on Tuesday ahead of the top-of-the-table showdown with City.

But the Ghanaian has been ruled out of tonight’s game.

However, the player has been pictured arriving at the Emirates, suggesting he will be roaring on his teammates.

It is yet to be confirmed whether Partey picked up a fresh injury over the past 24 hours or it’s a recurrence of his previous issue.

The 29-year-old had started 18 of Arsenal’s 21 games so far in the league.

And in Partey’s place, new man Jorginho makes his first Premier League start for Arsenal since leaving Chelsea in January.

Meanwhile, the midfielder is also a doubt to face Aston Villa at the weekend.

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