Arsenal fans fear over Thomas Partey injury update with crocked midfielder not spotted in training ahead of Everton

ARSENAL fans are panicking over the fitness of Thomas Partey after he was nowhere to be seen during training on Thursday.

Mikel Arteta‘s squad are preparing to face a struggling Everton side in the Premier League on Saturday lunchtime.

Instagram @arsenalMikel Arteta took Arsenal training on Thursday[/caption]

Instagram @arsenalThe Gunners are preparing to face Everton on Saturday[/caption]

The squad were in good spirits during the sessionInstagram @arsenal

Captain Martin Odegaard has been magnificent for ArsenalInstagram @arsenal

GettyThomas Partey was forced off during Arsenal’s FA Cup defeat to Man City[/caption]

Yet despite the Toffees’ poor form, the Gunners know they will be in for a tough game as it will be the hosts’ first match under new boss Sean Dyche.

And things could yet prove even more challenging for the league leaders at Goodison Park.

That is because they are sweating over the fitness of key man Partey, 29.

The likes of Aaron Ramsdale, Martin Odegaard and Granit Xhaka all looked in good spirits during Thursday’s session.

Instagram @arsenalAaron Ramsdale was in a buoyant mood during training[/caption]

Instagram @arsenalGranit Xhaka may have to play without his midfield partner Partey this weekend[/caption]

Instagram @arsenalNew signing Leandro Trossard is eyeing a first league start for Arsenal[/caption]

But Partey did not appear to be taking part after coming off with a suspected rib injury during their FA Cup defeat to Man City last Friday.

Reacting on social media, one fan identified Partey’s absence from training, saying: “Good to see Nelson but no Partey or Smith-Rowe”.

While another added: “No Partey on training pictures ”.

And a third said: “Thomas Partey not spotted in any of the training pics I have seen. Thought they said it was just a minor rib pain? ”.

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Arteta played down the seriousness of the issue after the game, with the Arsenal boss saying: “He had some discomfort and it was getting worse and worse, so he could not continue. He wasn’t comfortable to continue.

“Obviously tomorrow, the day after he will have to have an MRI scan and see what he has.”

But his absence from training now means Arteta faces an anxious wait over the fitness of the Ghanaian international.

If he is ruled out, it could mean a debut for Italian Jorginho – who joined the Gunners from Chelsea on deadline day.

A win for Arsenal would extend their lead at the top of the table to eight points before Manchester City travel to Tottenham on Sunday.

Instagram @arsenalBen White has been an integral part of Arsenal’s defence this season[/caption]

Arsenal will move eight points clear at the top of the table with a win over EvertonInstagram @arsenal