Arsenal will have to seek alternative options if they are to recruit in midfield. A deal for Aston Villa’s Douglas Luiz will be difficult, while Real Sociedad’s Martin Zubimendi remains a target.

Arteta said earlier this month that Partey’s ongoing fitness issues are a worry. He said: “It is a big concern because when Thomas is fit and available and he’s been part of the team, we’ve seen the results and the impact that he had.

“This season we have more protection especially for that reason because we know in the last two seasons what has happened and the result it had on the team. We had to address that and now it has happened.

“It can happen in football and I’m so sorry for him because I think he is doing every single thing he can do right to be there. He was gutted and we are for him, but he needs to lift himself up again with our support and go again because he’s a player that is critical for us.”