Roberto Martinez has sent Mikel Arteta major Sambi Lokonga warning as the Belgian likely to feature against Brighton following Thomas Partey’s recent thigh injury.
Thomas Partey was taken off against Crystal Palace after he pulled up with an injury and the latest update is not good.(image: Getty Images)
Things get from bad to worse for Arsenal on Monday’s night When Thomas Partey was hobbled off due to injury in Arsenal tragic display against Crystal Palace at Selhurst Park.
Speaking after the game, Arteta was asked how bad the injury seemed.
“I don’t know,” Arteta replied.
“but he felt something in the same area that he got injured previously, so it’s a big concern.”
The Ghanaian was replaced by Albert Sambi Lokonga on Monday and the Belgian now looks set to start in place of Partey on Saturday.
Whilst he hasn’t played much football recently, he was called-up to the Belgium squad for their recent friendlies with the Republic of Ireland and Burkina Faso.
But, he didn’t actually play a single minute for Belgium over the international break.
Roberto Martinez speaking to Voetbalkrant about Belgium, and explained why Arsenal gem Albert Sambi Lokonga didn’t see any action.
A surprise regular during the first half of the season for Arsenal, Albert Sambi Lokonga has seen his time on the pitch dwindle since New Year’s. (Getty Images)
“Some took their chance in training and others a little less. Wout Faes and Sambi deserved minutes, but others just a little more. Their chances are not exhausted. Sambi has made progress, but others may have shown a little more.” Martinez said.
This will be a big worry for Mikel Arteta( who is fighting to take Arsenal back to the Champions League) as the youngster will be crucial in the final weeks of the season if Arsenal are to achieve Champions League football for next season.
Gunners currently occupy fifth position in the Premier League, as north London rivals Tottenham Hotspur sit in fourth on goal difference.
Mikel Arteta’s side do have a game in hand on the Lilywhites, but they’ll need to get back to winning ways against Brighton this weekend with Sambi Lokonga likely to anchor the midfield.