Thomas Partey’s injury should come as no surprise as it is “an Arsenal thing” for a star signing to be sidelined early on in their Gunners career.
That is the verdict of Kevin Campbell after seeing Partey ruled out with a thigh complaint midway through the defeat to Aston Villa last weekend.
Ghana midfielder Partey has made an impressive start to life at the Emirates after Arsenal swooped to meet his £45million release clause at Atletico Madrid on Deadline Day.
His masterful midfield performance in the 1-0 win at Manchester United earlier this month earned special plaudits and led to comparisons with Gunners legend Patrick Vieira.
(Image: REUTERS)
But Partey was forced off at half-time against Villa – with his side 1-0 down – and he subsequently withdrew from international duty to start his rehabilitation at Arsenal’s London Colney training ground.
For Campbell, it was bitterly disappointing to see the 27-year-old succumb to an injury – but it was not altogether surprising.
“These things happen in football, sadly,” former Gunners striker Campbell told Football Insider.
Do Arsenal have a problem with new players picking up injuries? Have your say here.
(Image: Pool via REUTERS)
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“I am sure Thomas Partey would have been shocked by the performance against Aston Villa.
“The frustrating thing is that this guy was virtually ever-present at Atletico. He rarely suffered injury but the Premier League is a different kettle of fish and this is something Arsenal have to deal with.
“It’s an Arsenal thing – you have just signed a top player, he plays well and he gets injured.”
Partey made over 180 appearances during five seasons with Atletico’s first team, playing a vital role as Diego Simeone’s side clinched the Europa League in 2018.
In that time, he was sidelined on just two occasions and missed a total of six matches due to minor hamstring injuries.
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