Arsenal coach Mikel Arteta says the decision to substitute Partey against Brentford in the Premier League on Saturday was a cautious one.
The Gunners are away at Real Madrid on Wednesday in the Champions League quarter finals second-leg with a 3-0 advantage from the first-leg.
Partey was crucial in the first leg for Arsenal, just as he was instrumental on Saturday against Brentford.
A searing break saw the Ghanaian net his fourth league goal after slamming Declan Rice’s assist into the roof of the net for the opening goal of the game.
The 31-year-old was, however, replaced by Jurrien Timber with 20 minutes to end the game.
Arsenal boss Arteta has explained the decision to take off Partey, who was rested before the first leg in Arsenal’s league game against Everton, was for safety reasons
“We didn’t expect the issue with Thomas, that is why we had to take him out. He felt something, so we didn’t want to take any risks.”
Artera further clarified that he’s yet to ascertain the extent of the midfielder’s injury as he awaits diagnosis from the medical team.
“We don’t know [the diagnosis], I haven’t spoken to the doctors yet. So they will check him now and see how he is.”
Arsenal’s Premier League hopes have all but gone out of the window, with the Gunners playing a game more than leaders Liverpool whom they trail 10 points.
