Partey set to miss crucial clash against Manchester City

Thomas Partey is reportedly set to miss Arsenal's crucial clash against Manchester City after picking up a muscle injury.

The 29-year-old Ghanaian midfielder has been crucial to Arsenal's charge towards their first league title since the 2003/04 season and is set to miss tonight's match against second-placed Manchester City.

According to David Orstein of The Athletic, Thomas Partey will be unavailable for selection by Mikel Arteta in tonight's match against Manchester City due to a muscle injury.

Arsenal are currently three points clear at the top of the Premier League, and they face a Manchester City team that could replace them on the summit with a victory tonight.

Thomas Partey has been integral to Arsenal's rise this season, and according to Squawka, he leads his teammates in tackles (41) and interceptions (20), as well as possession won in the middle of the field (81), this season.

Following the injury to Mohammed El-Neny that left Partey as the only recognised defensive-midfielder in the team, Arsenal went all out in the January transfer window for a player in the position as cover for Partey and had Brighton's Moises Caicedo as their preferred option.

However, Brighton's unflinching stance left Arsenal to look elsewhere, signing Jorginho from London rivals Chelsea.

The Italian is expected to replace Partey in the starting lineup, and although he is no stranger to big games and should not be fazed by the occasion, he would be burdened with replacing the defensive cover provided by the Ghana International against a Manchester City side that are the best offence in the Premier League.